persuasive essay 3 day weekend

Why we should get three-day weekends – all the time

Professor of Economics and Political Economy, University of Leeds

Disclosure statement

David Spencer receives funding from, or has received funding from, FP7, EPSRC, and ESRC, but this article reflects the author's personal views.

University of Leeds provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation UK.

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As we approach the August bank holiday and a three-day weekend, it is worth reassessing the amount of time we devote to work. What if all weekends could last for three or even four days? What if the majority of the week could be given over to activities other than work? What if most of our time could be devoted to non-work activities of our own choosing?

To even pose these questions is to invite the criticism of Utopian thinking. While a fine idea in principle, working fewer hours is not feasible in practice. Indeed, its achievement would come at the expense of lower consumption and increased economic hardship.

For some advocates of the work ethic , the route to health and happiness lies with the perpetuation of work, not with its reduction. Work makes us healthier and happier . Such pro-work ideology is used to legitimate welfare reforms that seek to coerce the non-employed into work, whatever its rates of pay and qualitative features. It also offers an ideological barrier to the case for spending less time at work. Working less is presented as a threat to our health and happiness, not a means to improve it.

Yet, the idea of working less is not only feasible, it is also the basis for a better standard of life . It is a mark of how we have come to accept work and its dominant influence in our lives that we do not grasp this idea more readily.

The costs of working more

A growing number of studies show the human costs of longer working hours. These include lower physical and mental health. Working long hours can add to the risk of having a stroke , coronary heart disease and developing type 2 diabetes .

By working most of the time, we also lose time with family and friends. And more than this we lose the ability to be and do things that make life valuable and worth living. Our lives are often too much tied up in the work we do that we have little time and energy to find alternative ways of living – in short, our capacity to realise our talents and potential is curtailed by the work we do. Work does not set us free, rather it hems us in and makes it more difficult to realise ourselves.

All this speaks to the need to work less. We should challenge the work ethic and promote alternative ways of living that are less work centred. And, if this reduction of time spent at work is focused on eliminating drudge work then we can also better realise the internal benefits of work itself. Working less may be a means not only to work better but also to enjoy life more.

Barriers to less work

Technological progress has advanced continuously over the past century, pushing up productivity. But not all the gains in productivity have fed through to shorter work hours. At least in modern times, these gains have been used to increase the returns of the owners of capital, often at the cost of flatlining pay for workers .

The lack of progress in reducing time spent at work in modern capitalist economies reflects instead the influence of ideology as well as of power. On the one hand, the effects of consumerism have created powerful forces in favour of longer working hours. Workers are constantly persuaded to buy more and in turn are drawn into working more, to keep up with the latest fad or fashion and to stay ahead of their peers.

On the other hand, the weakened power of labour relative to capital has created an environment that has suited the extension of work time. The recent expose of work practices at Amazon speaks to the power of capital in imposing poor working conditions, including excessive work hours, on workers. The effects of rising inequality has also fed a long work hours culture by increasing the economic necessity to work more.

David Graeber makes the provocative claim that technology has advanced at the same time as what he calls “bullshit” or pointless jobs have multiplied. This is why we have not realised Keynes’ prediction that we’d all be working 15-hour weeks in the 21st century, as a result of technological progress.

Instead, we are living in a society where work gets created that is of no social value. The reason for this, according to Graeber, is the need of the ruling class to keep workers in work. While technology with the potential to reduce work time exists, the political challenge of a working population with time on its hands makes the ruling class unwilling to realise this potential. Working less, while feasible and desirable, is blocked by political factors.

Working for change

The costs of long work hours, as mentioned above, are poorer health and lower well-being for workers. But for employers too there are costs in terms of lower productivity and lower profitability . Yet these costs seem to go unnoticed despite evidence pointing to their existence. Here again politics may explain why shorter work time has not been embraced by many employers.

Experiments in shorter working exist, to be sure. Uniqlo, a Japanese clothing retailer, is to allow its employees to work a four day week . This has been widely reported in a positive way. Workers will benefit from a better work-life balance, while the firm will reap the benefits of lower labour costs due to lower turnover costs.

Yet, on closer inspection, the new scheme to be introduced by Uniqlo has its downsides. In return for a four-day working week, workers will be expected to work ten-hour shifts during the days they work (a 40-hour working week will be squeezed into four days).

This is not only an extension to the normal length of the working day; it also puts at risk the potential rewards of working four days in the week. Workers may be so exhausted after working a four-day work week they need a full day to recover from their previous exertions. In this case, their quality of work and life may not be enhanced at all; indeed it may be diminished, if they suffer the ill-effects of overwork.

Ironically, schemes such as the one to be introduced by Uniqlo illustrate the obstacles that remain in achieving less work. Only a reduction in the working week to 30 hours or less can be seen as genuine progress in the achievement of shorter work time.

For us to reach – and enjoy – a three or ideally a four-day weekend, we need to reimagine society in ways that subvert the prevailing work ethic. We need to embrace the idea of working less as a means to a life well lived. We need to reject the way of living that sees work as the be all and end all of life.

So enjoy the bank holiday while you can. See it as a reminder of a life that could be – a life that we should seek to achieve, by resolving to overcome the barriers, economic as well as ideological and political, to working less.

• Four-day week

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Why We Should Have a 3-Day Weekend

Updated 25 October 2023

Subject Experience ,  Work

Downloads 40

Category Business ,  Economics ,  Life

Weekends and the Importance of Rest

Weekends are mostly regarded as times for leisure, and they are comprised of Saturday and Sunday. Most people devote a lot of their time to work-related activities throughout the week. Some even work on weekends which means that they do not find enough time to rest. This is because of the utopian way of thinking which states that if people dedicate little time to their work, there will be increased economic hardship which will be caused by decreased consumption and lower productivity (Delmez " Vincent n.p). In the perfect society, a 3-day weekend does not seem feasible. However, looking at the health and happiness benefits of having a 3-day weekend, the need for such an approach should be implemented.

Effects of Work on Health and Happiness

In David Spencer’s article “Why We Should Get 3-Day Weekends All the Time, According to Science,” he explores the effects of devoting a majority of the week to activities that are not related to work. According to the article, spending more time on work costs more. Some of the costs include mental and physical problems (David n.p). The risks of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart diseases increase when one uses a majority of his or her time to work (Ziemba 1). Work also cuts the ties of friendship and family; this also inhibits the ability of individuals to do things that make life worthy and valuable. Work takes up much of the time that people have; this means that it will be difficult for one to find alternative things that he or she can do for a living (Nakata 53041). It can be seen that work makes lives more difficult, reduction of the working time should be focused on reducing drudge work, this makes people enjoy the benefits of working even more. The effects of inequality have proved to be a major barrier in the bid towards the reduction of time dedicated to work. The developments of technology have also not made the expected impact on the reduction of working time (Kivimäki et al., 28). Having a 3-day weekend means that there is a more productive and healthy life, this can only be achieved if the society is reimagined. Life needs to be focused on overcoming the barriers that exist in economic, political, and ideological aspects so that a 3-day weekend can be created.

Author's Expertise and Perspectives

I was drawn to this text because of its title; the article is titled “Why We Should Get 3-Day Weekends All the Time, According to Science.” From this title, it can be seen that the answer to the question, why we should have a 3-day weekend can be answered scientifically. The author of the article is also a professor of political economy and economics; this means that he has a considerable understanding in the area of work and he comes up with workable reasons on why the weekend needs to be three days long. I decided to use this article because of the experience of the author and the factors that it touches regarding work.

Discussion of Political, Ideological, and Political Barriers

The article creates a balanced impression, the views on both perspectives, devoting more time to work and leisure are presented in an unbiased manner. The article is interesting because it discusses the political, ideological, and political barriers for promoting less working time. This has helped me in having a proper understanding of the subject since there is a broader perspective on the discussion of this topic. Looking at the issue in a different manner will allow me to have a more specific view on the subject and other related topics that will help me in developing my research project.

Works Cited

David Spencer, The Conversation. "Why We Should Get 3-Day Weekends All The Time, According To Science". Science alert, 2018, https://www.sciencealert.com/why-we-should-get-three-day-weekends-all-the-time-according-to-science. Accessed 2 Oct 2018.

Delmez, Françoise, and Vincent Vandenberghe. Working long hours: less productive but less costly? Firm-level evidence from Belgium. No. 2017022. Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherches Economiques et Sociales (IRES), 2017.

Kivimäki, Mika, et al. "Long working hours, socioeconomic status, and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of published and unpublished data from 222 120 individuals." The Lancet Diabetes " Endocrinology

3.1 (2015): 27-34.

Nakata, Akinori. "Long working hours, job satisfaction, and depressive symptoms: a community-based cross-sectional study among Japanese employees in small-and medium-scale businesses." Oncotarget 8.32 (2017): 53041.

Ziemba, William T. "Comment on “Why a weekend effect?”." Great Investment Ideas 9 (2016): 1.

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Why every weekend should be three days.

Should the work week be shortened from five days to four?

Because you work sixty-two hour weeks; because your manager walked out of a Dilbert cartoon; because the recent China selloff bled your portfolio; because you want to read a good book ; because you want to binge watch "Orange is the New Black" (anyone? just me?); because Sunday evenings are the worst of the week (excluding the NFL season when NBC broadcasts Sunday Night Football); and because you simply enjoy those serene moments at home with family, rendered in your mind like a Norman Rockwell painting; you will ask yourself the same question during this long, three-day, Labor Day weekend.

Your curiosity has companionship: according to a UK study, 57 percent of people support adopting a four day work week (and a three day weekend); in another survey, 69 percent of millionaires like the idea.

With numbers like that, one of the also-ran presidential candidates should add three-day weekends to their platform. Indeed, there are many compelling reasons to contract the work week and lengthen the weekend. Here are but three:

1. Productivity : Just because you work long hours doesn't mean you are productive. According to a study published by The Economist, there was a negative correlation between productivity and hours worked. For example, Germans clocked in an average of 1,400 hours per year, but were 70 percent more productive than Greeks, who worked 2,000 hours.

Many employers have recognized that overworked employees make mistakes, so they offered more flexible schedules to boost productivity. For example, Ctrip (CTRP), a China based travel booking firm, found that its employees that worked from home demonstrated a 13 percent increase in productivity. The founder of 37Signals, a software company that has implemented four day work weeks from May to October, observes, "When there's less time to work, you waste less time."

Read More Most workers actually making LESS than 5 years ago

2. Health and happiness : Working long hours can be hazardous to your health. In Japan, approximately 400 people die each year from work-induced strokes, heart attacks, or suicides. They have a term for this phenomenon: karoshi. Even long hours sitting at your desk are harmful. One study found that many of us are seated for 12 hours every day. While you're seated, you burn about 50 calories fewer per hour than if you were standing. Sitting increases your chances of heart disease, muscle degeneration, back pain, and colon cancer. Of course, you could use a use a stand-up desk.

But if you want be happier, then you'll need a three day weekend. Four day work weeks would yield 52 additional days for people to spend as they please. These extra days would likely lead to more happiness. According to Gallup, Americans are happiest on weekends and holidays: in 2014, 68 percent of people said they experienced happiness on Thanksgiving and 67 percent on Independence Day, the two most jovial days of the year. Not only will you be more time-rich, you might save money: spending less on day care and gasoline for the commute to work (which would ease traffic and help the environment).

Read More Marissa Mayer, please take your full maternity leave

3. Precedent : Employers and even school districts have embraced the four day work week. The Society for Human Resource Management reports that 43 percent of firms already offer some of their employees the option of a four day work week, but only 5 percent of large companies extend the perk to its entire workforce.

Larry Page, CEO of Google, hinted at a conference in 2014 that a four day work week would be a good idea. The CEO of Tree Hugger, a web-based education company that has implemented a four day work week puts it starkly: "Just remember, you only have 2,000 weekends, and then you die." More remarkably, a study published in "Education Finance and Policy" found that students who had four day school weeks earned higher math scores than those who were in school five days each week.

Read More August job creation falls short of hopes: ADP

Of course, three day weekends might also contract output and result in less income for Americans. But as we enjoy Labor Day —a holiday that we've celebrated since 1894 to honor the American worker—maybe more will see the light of perpetual three day weekends, after all.

Commentary by Kabir Sehgal, author of the New York Times best seller " Coined: The Rich Life of Money And How Its History Has Shaped Us ." He is a former vice president at JPMorgan and Grammy-winning producer. Follow him on Twitter @HiKabir .

162 Persuasive Writing Prompts & Topics: Examples & Tips

Writing a persuasive essay can be a challenging task. While it is excellent for improving a student’s critical thinking and rhetoric skills, coming up with a good topic might be difficult.

The easiest way to kickstart the writing process is to find persuasive writing prompts. Are you passionate about some controversial issue? Want to express your opinion? A prompt will help you to start thinking about it critically. It may contain a set of questions or a brief guideline for your discussion.

Our team will help you!

There is plenty of persuasive writing prompts for high school and college that deserve attention. So, we’ve prepared a list of such. Once you choose one to your liking, remember to read a prompt thoroughly. The controversy of an issue is usually apparent. It is crucial to find a prompt that states the main aspects of the topic clearly.

Believe us—writing a persuasive essay is elementary with prompts at your disposal!

• 🤷 Writing with Prompts
• 💡 How to Write?
• ⭐ 12 Best Prompts
• 🧒 Elementary School
• 🎒 Middle School
• 🖊️ High School
• 🌊 Environment
• 🕹️ Video Games
• 🔌 Technology

🤷 Persuasive Writing with Prompts

Before we dive into the prompts, let’s answer a few vital questions.

What is a persuasive essay?

A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing where you try to persuade your reader using arguments and supporting evidence. You provide facts and examples that explain why your position is the correct one. Describe the issue in the introduction, and express your stance on it in your thesis statement.

Remember to include the other side of the argument in your essay. It is essential to consider different perspectives on the problem. You can find numerous examples of persuasive papers in a free essay database . Not only will it serve as a sample, but can act as a source of writing prompts, too.

What is a writing prompt?

A writing prompt is a short passage that describes an idea for an essay, report, article, or some other piece of writing. It can be as short as one sentence, although it is usually more elaborate.

Some prompts can be presented in the form of an image. The most crucial thing is that they give a clear understanding of the topic.

How does a persuasive writing prompt look like?

The main goal of persuasive writing is to convince the reader that your side of an argument is the most legitimate one. Unlike in expository or descriptive writing, persuasive essay prompts express the duality of a dispute.

Persuasive letter prompts should be pertinent to the audience’s concerns. A prompt should ultimately convey your stance on the subject. Use words like convince , persuade , and why . Avoid using how in a persuasive essay prompt as it distracts from the purpose of such writing.

💡 How to Write a Persuasive Essay Using a Prompt?

Persuasive writing prompts help produce a good quality essay. Here is a list of things you should do to write an essay using a prompt:

• Read it and learn what issue the prompt states. What should you elaborate on? Look out for words that you find especially important or problematic.
• Understand what the prompt wants you to do. See whether you should discuss causes and effects or your opinion. In the case of persuasive writing prompt, it asks you to convince your reader in something. In what? Should you discuss both sides of an argument or state your opinion immediately?
• Divide the prompt. Look deeper into what it’s saying. Write down your initial thoughts on the subject.
• Compose a thesis statement . Outline the question or the situation the prompt states and elaborate on it in one topic sentence.
• Write arguments and supporting evidence. Dedicate one body paragraph to describing the opposing argument. Remember to use transition words to ensure good writing flow.
• Revise if you have time for it. Check with the prompt not to miss anything. That’s why writing drafts is always a good idea. This way, you can change your text without making a mess out of your paper.

⭐ 12 Persuasive Writing Prompts for High School

• Cooking as art — a delicate craft.
• 4-Day work week.
• Facebook vs. Instagram: visual design.
• Winter holidays — a time for friends.
• Is living in a village stressful?
• Beef production.
• Is kindergarten education importnat?
• Hobby as a job is a bad idea.
• High school students and independence.
• Allowance for kids: how much?
• Reptiles as pets — a lifelong commitment.
• Outside classes and fresh air benefits.

✔ 50 Persuasive Essay Writing Prompts

If you have trouble coming up with ideas for writing a persuasive essay, here is our prompts list. Whether you’re in school or college, we’re sure here you’ll find a topic that interests you!

🧒 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Elementary Students

• Your parents should go to bed at 9 pm every day. They say that it’s your time to fall asleep, but why? This way, they get to have a good night’s rest to feel energized the next morning. And your parents need it as their jobs are tedious and stressful. While you would like to have more spare time before going to bed. Persuade your parents that going to bed at 9 pm is perfect for them, not for you.
• We should stop wearing a uniform to school. If not every day, at least once a week, students should be allowed to wear casual clothes to school. Discuss why it is a fun and useful initiative.
• You need to move to another country for a year. Explain why you think that studying abroad is essential for you. Which country would you pick and why? Discuss what made you choose this country.
• Every child needs a pet. Some parents don’t allow animals at home. Explain why it is vital to have a pet in a family. Convince that a pet of your choice is the perfect option for any kid.
• Pupils should select their seats in the class . Your teacher always tells you where to sit in class. Would it be better if you get to pick your place? What is your opinion on that?
• Playing music is an educating activity that is crucial for child development. What musical instrument is the most fun to play? Convince your reader that the music instrument of your choice is the best one.
• The summer break has to be longer. Do you believe the summer holidays are long or short? Is it enough for you to get rest and find the strength to start a new term? Convince your reader that your point of view is the right one.
• The ability to read people’s minds in both the worst and best superpower. Imagine that you get to have this superpower. What are its advantages and disadvantages? When can you use it? Is it ethical? Discuss your opinion in your essay.
• Pupils should select their tutors. In school, you don’t get to choose your teacher. Would it be better if you could? Can students change teachers based on their personal preferences? Discuss why or why not.
• We should manage our budget from an early age. Do your parents give you pocket money? Well, they’re better to start. Some parents think they should give their kids pocket money even if they misbehaved. Others wouldn’t give allowance to their children if they did something wrong. What position do you think is fairer, and why?

🎒 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

• Tutors should wear uniforms to schools, just like students do. Imagine there is an initiative that wants teachers to do so. Some people believe it is a sign of equality and professional attire. Others think that just a formal dress code is enough. What is your opinion on this?
• Every school has to initiate school trips. Some individuals think they are disruptive to the study process. Other people claim that such trips unite students and are an essential part of education. What do you think? Explain your point of view and why it is the right one.
• Students should learn from famous people from time to time. There is an opportunity for one famous person to come to your school with a motivational speech. Who would you want to come, and why? Discuss why your school can benefit if a celebrity of your choice gives a speech there.,
• Single-sex schools are better than mixed ones. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? Talk about your point of view using convincing argumentation.
• Some individuals should lack money. What’s better: enough money to get by or too much money and more problems? Some think that too much money makes you forget about more straightforward and essential things in life. Yes, cash gives more opportunities, but people tend to strive for more money than necessary. What’s the point of millionaires in the 21st century? What is your opinion on this?
• Fast food damages children’s health and should be excluded from the school meal plan. Do you agree or disagree? What are some benefits of having fast food as a meal option at school? Discuss which opinion is more legitimate.
• Educational institutions have to support the arts and sciences more. Imagine there is a new building opening up in your school. The school administration hasn’t decided what is going to be there. It could be an art studio, a new sports center, or a computer class. Explain why it should belong to the arts and sciences. Talk about how such disciplines motivate students to evolve.
• We should study for four days a week. There is a law that considers implementing a more extended weekend. Do you think three days would be too much? Why or why not? Support your point of view with thoughtful arguments.

• Teachers should be required to turn off their mobiles during the classes. You can’t use your phone during the course (or at school). It’s a law in various educational institutions and for obvious reasons. Should teachers be prohibited from using their phones as well? Is it fair?
• It is better to have PE lessons as the first classes of the day. Some people think it is an excellent way to kickstart the day. Others believe that students will be physically tired to carry on with other classes. Which opinion is the right one?
• Plagiarism and cheating should be punished more strictly. Copying others’ works or using crib notes in class is strictly prohibited, yet it happens. Should schools implement more measures to ensure there is no cheating? How can they work?
• Students should select their courses according to their performance. Some people are better at science, while others excel at arts. Would it be better if we were allowed only to study things we are naturally good at? Why or why not? Convince your reader that your opinion is valid.
• You shouldn’t eat in class. Teachers generally think that it interrupts the lesson and distracts other students. At the same time, eating a snack can help you concentrate better and stay energized. Discuss your opinion on this in your essay.
• There should be mixed sports teams at school. Girls often like to play the same sports as boys. Should schools let them play in the same groups? Why or why not? Support your opinion with argumentation.
• Teachers should treat every student equally. It seems like an obvious thing, but the reality is often different. What would you do to make sure everyone is respected? Why?

🖊 Persuasive Writing Prompts for High School Students

• In the US, the 18-year-olds should be allowed to drink alcohol. In the country, driving is permitted after age 16, while drinking becomes legal after 21. How fair are these age thresholds? Statistics show that countries with integrated drinking culture (like France or Italy) have lower alcoholism rates. Would it be better to bring the legal drinking age down to 18? Discuss why or why not, using supportive argumentation.
• The “book of your choice” is fantastic, and here is why. Write a persuasive essay explaining why your favorite book deserves attention. Convince your audience it is worth reading it.
• Time management skill is vital for a successful adult life. It’s what you acquire in school and use for a job. Why is being organized so important? And why should you learn this already in school? Talk about your opinion on this subject.
• What’s more important in school – discipline or an ability to self-express? Some think that you come to school to get knowledge and acquire social skills. However, some students thrive in a less harsh environment. Discuss your point of view and why it is valid.
• Educational institutions should implement anti-bullying policies. School authorities should intervene if a student is bullied by other students, even outside of school. Do you agree or disagree? Convince your reader that your opinion is the most legitimate.

• Parents shouldn’t raise their children the same way they’ve been raised. Some people think there are universal values and principles that parents should teach their kids. While this is true, times change tremendously as generations grow up. What do you think is more just? Discuss your point of view in your essay.
• Your neighborhood requires a renovation. Imagine city authorities are planning on improving your area. What would you change in particular, and why? Write an essay using the appropriate argumentation.
• The importance of community is overrated. Some people are naturally more outgoing and thrive in such environments. Others often feel pressured and may feel out of place. Talk about your opinion on that subject.
• Are fictional books useless? Some people believe fiction improves imagination and teaches empathy. Others consider it a waste of time since there is no actual value in it. Which stance is more valid?
• Life is fair because it is unfair to everyone. Do you think this statement is true? Discuss the issue of class privilege. Do you think modern society gives everyone equal opportunities? Why or why not?
• Community service should be mandatory for high school students. Do you agree or disagree? What kind of activities would be included? Discuss your point of view in your essay.
• Classic literature should be an integral part of the high school curriculum. Should students be required to read old texts like Homer’s Odyssey or Shakespeare’s tragedies? Why or why not?
• You can make a career out of a hobby. True or not? Pick your side of an argument and convince a reader it’s valid.
• It would be better if all countries in the world switched to one currency. There are many aspects to consider when talking about this argument. Which side of it would you support? Why?
• Safety on school property should be a primary concern. Some institutions offer inefficient security services, which can result in tragedies. They may lack funds to ensure their students are safe. Should the government prioritize these issues? Discuss your opinion on this.

🎓 Persuasive Writing Prompts for College Students

• Abortions should be legal in all US states. Some religious communities are vehemently opposed to abortions. People with more liberal beliefs claim that it should be a mother’s personal choice. Discuss your opinion in an essay.
• The military should be voluntary. Military service is a civic duty is some countries. Should it be obligatory everywhere? Why or why not? Persuade your reader that your opinion is the most legitimate.
• Veganism and vegetarianism should become a new norm. They start to gain popularity in Western society. Some people consider it beneficial for health and the environment. Others switch to these diets because good meat is often too pricey. What are the real advantages? Or are they a myth? Discuss your opinion.
• The education system in the Western world has become outdated. Do you agree or disagree? What should be changed to make it more suitable for modern times?
• Your parents shouldn’t be your buddies. What’s better: a parent who is your mentor or best friend? Choose your stance on the subject and defend it using appropriate reasoning.
• Soft skills are more important than hard skills. It is thought that employers often prioritize your personal skills over professional ones at first. Do you think this is the right position? Express your opinion and support it with facts.

• Social media is a major frustrating factor in the lives of many people. Have you ever gotten FOMO looking at other’s picture-perfect lives? Why is it so easy to succumb to this illusion of ideal life? Discuss your opinion on the subject and support your point of view with pertinent facts.
• Democracy has proven to be the most sustainable governmental form. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Express your opinion and use relevant argumentation in your essay.
• United Nations have become inefficient over time. There is an opinion that the UN does not function properly anymore. Would you agree with this statement?
• Are genderless pronouns a good idea? They have become a crucial tool for transgender and genderfluid people to express their identity. Or does society overthink about words instead of actions? Do you agree or disagree?

💯 Persuasive Essay Writing Topics

If you feel more confident and inspired after reading our prompts list, check out some persuasive writing topics!

🎤 Persuasive writing: Music

• Hip-hop music objectifies women .
• Jazz does not exist anymore.
• Music festivals involve too many drugs.
• Classical music is the most sophisticated genre.
• The music culture of other societies does not get enough attention because of Western dominance .
• Musical therapy is not efficient.
• Patriotic songs can have a stimulating effect on people.
• Listening to music can increase one’s productivity.
• Anyone can learn how to sing.
• Humanity cannot imagine itself without the art of music.
• Music is the most influential form of art.
• Rap should be considered a form of poetry .
• Jazz sounds the best at a live concert .
• A piano is the best musical instrument.
• All children should have musical training at school.
• Music can unite people from all over the world.
• Specific lyrics can trigger aggression in people.
• Queen is the most influential band in Western history.
• To some extent, all music reflects a creator’s personal experience.
• Is the bell ringer a musician?

🦙 Persuasive Writing: Animals

• Wild animals should not be kept in a zoo.
• Animal fights should be illegal.

• Hybrid animals are unnatural.
• Agricultural production puts endangered species at more significant risk .
• Slaughtering farm animals for food does not justify their killing .
• Animal hunts should be illegal everywhere.
• There is no better alternative than animal experimentation for some medicine.
• Exotic animals should not be kept as pets.
• Animals should not be treated as objects—they are meant to cohabitate with humans .
• Cow milk is terrible for human health.
• Dolphins are the most intelligent animals.
• Using animals for medical research is unethical.
• There are better alternatives than cosmetic testing on animals .
• Poaching has multiple adverse effects on the economy.
• Farming is a form of animal abuse .
• Zoos can help in preserving endangered animals.
• All makeup brands should switch to cruelty-free policies.
• The use of elephants in the entertainment industry can lead to their extinction .
• Children should be taught how to treat animals.
• A dog is the best animal companion for a human.

🌊 Persuasive Writing: Environment

• Governments should advocate for the use of renewable energy sources.
• Garbage recycling should be obligatory.
• Humanity should take rainforest conservation more seriously.
• Urban areas should implement environment-friendly design and policies .
• There is a connection between waste management and global warming.

• If proper measures are not taken, the loss of biodiversity in coral reefs will be devastating .
• Greta Thunberg is the voice of her generation . The girl’s letter to the UN was one of the most discussed events of 2019. Talk about why her call to enhance environmental protection is more than timely.
• Sustainable clothing is the best fashion trend in 2023.
• Poor farming technologies accelerate climate change .
• Water pollution will soon become a more significant issue than air pollution.
• Environmental conservation is an essential element of economic growth in developing countries .
• First-world countries should implement a carbon tax.
• It is impossible to decrease environmental pollution without severe damage to the world’s economy .
• Weather forecasts are too inaccurate.
• Climate change trends have made the risk of natural disasters worse.

🌽 Persuasive writing: Food

• Parents in America should take better care of their children’s diets . Childhood obesity is a growing concern in the US.
• Healthy eating is more important than exercise.
• Overeating junk food affects mental health.
• Restaurants should be transparent about the nutritional value of the food they serve.
• There is no harm in consuming GMOs .
• Addiction to sugar can be worse than drug addiction.
• The fast-food industry isn’t entirely responsible for consumers’ health . It is up to every individual to take care of their diet.
• Food is not just fuel; it’s a leisure experience .
• Schools must provide students with healthy food options.
• Intuitive eating is the best diet.
• The downsides of sugar substitutes aren’t thoroughly researched .
• Being underweight is more dangerous than being overweight.
• Social and psychological factors have a notable role in obesity development .
• Eating meat is bad for health.
• Food supplements are harmful.

🕹 Persuasive Writing: Video Games

• Violence in video games causes behavioral problems in kids .
• Board games will never go out of fashion.
• Playing computer games can develop one’s cognitive skills .
• Game addiction is a more prominent concern than most of us realize.
• Virtual reality can disrupt one’s social skills .
• Children should have limited access to certain video games.

• There is no place for gaming in education.
• Certain video games can be beneficial for human health and brains.
• Hunger Games should not have been turned into a franchise.
• Gaming will become the most popular leisure activity in 30 years.
• You can earn a fortune by playing online games.
• Video games have multiple adverse effects on children .
• Gaming is just a way to escape reality.
• First-person shooter games improve one’s reaction and reflexes.
• Playing video games too much affects one’s academic and life performance.

🔌 Persuasive Writing: Technology

• Siri is the best example of publicly available Artificial intelligence .
• Computer science classes at school should incorporate beginner-level software engineering.
• Internet is humanity’s greatest invention.
• E-learning in medicine is still too expensive .
• Nowadays, nobody’s personal data is protected.
• If World War III happens, it will be a war of modern technology and information, not nuclear power.
• Genetically modified organisms are science’s big mistake.
• Cloning should be illegal.
• Cell phone addiction will soon become humanity’s worst challenge.
• Cyberbullying leads to drug and alcohol abuse among the youth .
• Robots will never be able to replace humans .
• Technology can help individuals with learning disabilities .

• Drones are an invasion of privacy and should be illegal.
• Apple is the best technology brand on the market.
• Data mining is an essential part of every company’s marketing strategy .

Thank you for reading the article! Leave a comment below to let us know what you think. Share the page with friends who may find the persuasive writing prompts and topics useful.

🔗 References

• 15 Awesome Persuasive Writing Prompts: Thoughtful Learning, K-12
• 200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing: Michael Gonchar, The New York Times
• English II Persuasive Essay [10th grade]: Brianna Johnson, Trinity College
• Writing Prompt (Composition): Richard Nordquist, ThoughtCo
• What Is a Writing Prompt: Karen Frazier, LoveToKnow
• What Makes a Great Writing Prompt: Laura Davis, Kripalu
• Writing Prompts for Middle School: Holt McDougal Online
• Persuasive Essay Outline: Houston Community College Learning Web
• Tips To Write An Effective Persuasive Essay: Melissa Burns, The College Puzzle
• Counterargument: Gordon Harvey for the Writing Center at Harvard University
• Persuasive Essay: EssayInfo, Writing Guides
• Ten Timeless Persuasive Writing Techniques: Brian Clark, CopyBlogger
• 31 Powerful Persuasive Writing Techniques: Karri Stover, Writtent
• A CS Research Topic Generator or How To pick A Worthy Topic In 10 Seconds: Department of Computer Science, Purdue University
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Why 3 Day Weekends Are Good for Your Mental Health

August 15 , by Noga Sapir - Reflect Author

The four-day workweek. The three-day weekend. The long weekend. Or simply, 3-4-3.

Whatever you call it, the idea of shortening the workweek and lengthening the weekend is gaining steam around the world. Earlier this year, over 900 workers in 33 companies in the US and Ireland participated in a six-month-long test of a four-day workweek, to find out the impact on employee productivity and wellbeing.

Now, the results are in . 97% of employees said they enjoyed having an extra day to themselves and wanted to continue. Meanwhile, the companies reported an average 8% increase in revenue during the test period and a 38% increase compared to the same period the previous year.

Is a shorter workweek really as good as it seems? Is a three-day weekend what we’ve needed all along? Our bodies and minds appear to be saying “yes”. The question is why.

The psychological benefit of a three-day weekend

Everyone loves a long weekend. Many people take advantage of the extra time off to book a short holiday. Others invite friends and family over to catch up over a long delicious meal. Yet others take the opportunity to just switch off and unwind, sleeping in, going for long walks, reading or watching TV.

A three-day weekend has immense psychological benefits. Unlike the regular weekend, three days provides enough time to really rest, relax and recharge. In fact, research suggests that the two-day weekend may actually be detrimental to our health and wellbeing , and here’s why: On the weekend, people change their routine, sleeping in longer and staying up later. The body’s circadian rhythm shifts, but it must also return quickly to the work schedule. All these changes within just 48 hours are stressful on the body and its physiological functioning, which is stressful mentally and emotionally too.

Another advantage of a three-day weekend is that the time until the next weekend is shorter, making the workweek ahead less daunting. This may seem like a simple point, but it can have a profound effect on work-life balance. The “Sunday scaries” and the “Monday morning blues” are real, and a common cause of workplace anxiety. A long weekend is a perfect antidote.

The benefits of having long weekends for mental health

The move towards a three-day weekend is gaining momentum. The mandated work-from-home policies during COVID only provided more wind to the sails. In 2021, an article in The Atlantic was not shy in calling to “Kill the 5 day work week” . More businesses are coming around to the idea because the mental and physical health benefits of a shorter working week for employees are already proven. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Reduced stress and cardiac problems

Overwork is undeniably linked to stress, which leads to heart disease and even death.

A massive meta-analysis published in The Lancet studied 600,000 workers in several countries and found a 33% increase in the risk of stroke and a 13% increase in the risk of cardiac disease among people who worked 55 hours a week or more, compared to those who worked 40 hours or less. Similar correlations were found for diabetes.

Improved overall health

A long weekend offers more breathing room to engage in healthy activities that promote well-being. People have more time to exercise, play their favorite sports, attend the gym, practice yoga, and meditate.

There is also more time to prepare healthy home-cooked meals, rather than relying on fast food takeaway and cafeteria lunches. Plus, people can enjoy social get-togethers, hobbies, and other leisure activities that bring pleasure, which is great for releasing feel-good hormones, lowering stress, and boosting mental health.

Better sleep

Sleeping in on weekends and sleeping longer have been shown to improve health and longevity. Long weekends provide ample opportunity for people to relax their sleep routines, sleep in later and catch up on lost sleep. In addition, having three mornings a week where you don’t have to set your alarm and get up early is a great stress reducer.

Disconnect and recharge

Unwinding from the pressures of the workweek can be a slow process. A three-day weekend provides ample time to turn off the computer, switch out of work mode, and invest in doing things that recharge body and soul.

People can break up all their obligations and activities over three days rather than two, so there's no need to sacrifice one activity for any other. For example, if your friend has a birthday party, but you really need to chill and meditate, there’s enough time in a three-day weekend to do both, without feeling pressured, guilty, or rushed. This is an amazing boon for reducing stress levels and maintaining mental health.

Healthy weekend getaways

Believe it or not, a weekend getaway is actually healthier for you than an extended vacation. That’s according to 87% of Americans who were surveyed . Why? Because most workers find that after a long vacation, they tend to work overtime to catch up on the work they missed. This causes stress and burnout and negates the positive effects of the vacation. What’s more, a long vacation is more stressful to plan, not to mention expensive, so people don’t take them often.

On the other hand, a 3-day holiday over a long weekend is a convenient and affordable opportunity to enjoy a healthy change of scenery and a change of pace, recharge physically and mentally, and come back to the job refreshed – without any nasty consequences.

Work better, feel better

The most powerful testimony for a three-day weekend is that employees become more energized and less stressed, yet there is no loss at all to productivity . That’s according to a study in Iceland involving 2500 workers who reduced their workweek to just 35-36 hours. Participants also reported that shortening the workweek fostered a greater sense of respect – they no longer felt like ‘machines’, but like valued individuals with private lives, hobbies, and interests outside of the workplace. This is incredibly powerful to boost self-worth , motivation, and well-being.

Is working 7 days a week bad for mental health?

In a word, yes!

Humans are not machines, and we are not built for constant work. Indeed, the concept of the weekend comes straight out of the bible – the ‘sabbath’ was a day of rest, when no work was permitted . In modern times, this has become a two-day weekend, when people have time off work to spend with family, focus on their relationships, develop their hobbies and passions, and yes, take some well-deserved physical and mental rest.

What’s more, workaholism is shown to be related to poorer health and relationship difficulties . In developed countries, laws are in place to mandate the maximum number of hours an employee can work in a set time period and to prevent the negative moral, physical, and emotional consequences of overwork.

Even in cases where a person wants or needs to work every day, for example, if they are building their own business or working towards a big deadline, it is still advisable to take breaks and to carve out a weekend.

This is essential to mental health and well-being.

Reduce your stress with a biofeedback device on your long vacation

Whether two days or three, the weekend is always going to be shorter than the workweek. It is wise to make the most of the space and freedom that the weekend brings to focus on your mental health and well-being. One way to do this is with a biofeedback device that can help accelerate your relaxation practice and reduce your stress levels more quickly and efficiently.

With the Reflect biofeedback device , place your hands on the orb, and start your breathwork, meditation or relaxation exercise. The device tracks your heart rate , breathing rate, and more through the skin of your hands, and displays the changes as they occur.

With this information, you can train your brain to achieve that relaxed state during the workweek or whenever you feel stress building.

You don’t need any special equipment or body sensors to experience the wellness benefits of biofeedback with Reflect. Use it at home, or even take it with you on one of your healthy weekend getaways.

Have a great 3-day weekend!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/workers-who-tested-4-day-workweek-say-theyll-never-return-to-5-days-or-only-with-a-huge-pay-bump/ar-AA1565dM

https://news.yahoo.com/the-psychological-benefit-of-a-three-day-weekend-050055015.html

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/06/four-day-workweek/619222/

https://edition.cnn.com/2015/10/09/health/three-day-weekend-benefits

https://www.npr.org/2021/07/06/1013348626/iceland-finds-major-success-moving-to-shorter-work-week

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25215209/

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Noga is the founder and CEO of Reflect Innovation. Noga’s work lies in the intersection of technology and design, and how tactility can create unique experiences in the mental health space.

Reflect Innovation was conceived in 2016 when, while completing her degree in Textile Design, Noga developed Reflect, looking to invent solutions for her own struggle with anxiety.

Noga holds a BSc. in Neuroscience from Tel Aviv University and BDes. in Textile Design from Shenkar College of engineering, design, and art.

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