We are over halfway done with the term, which should be a relief of some sort for most. Unfortunately, with all of the tests and studying between now and winter break, it isn’t. This is where the stress and sleep deprivation really starts to hit you hard. Thinking about all the things that are due makes you cry and Netflix starts looking more and more like a great way to study. But, like the wise words of Parks and Rec’s Tom Haverford, you need to “Treat. Yo. Self.” Make sure that you are taking the time to relax and rewind, since everybody needs a little me-time every once in a while. It is important for your brain and body to get that time off. Lucky for you, campus is covered in places where you can get that much needed stasis!
1. CAPs Mind Spa
Did you know that Oregon State University has a FREE Mind Spa that all students can use at anytime? The OSU Counseling and Psychological Services, located in Snell Hall, has a wide variety of free services for students to use as methods of relaxation in the mind spa, from a full-body massage chair (naps, anyone?) to meditation guides. Best of all, they have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) lights. If you’ve ever lived in the Pacific Northwest any time other than the summer, you know that the constant lack of sunshine can be a real downer. These lights help combat the SADness we feel from the lack of sun during the darker months by shining light similar to that of the sun. If you don’t have time to use one at CAPs, you always have the option of checking one out for two weeks at a time. Let’s not forget that this is all free. For hours and more services and information, check out their website!
2. The MU
If you haven’t spent a lot of time in the Memorial Union, I highly suggest that you check it out. The MU has what seems to be one billion and twelve different spots that are great to just chill out and vegetate in.
The Lounge: This is by-far one of the most popular places to go in between classes and either catch up on some Zs or simply just chillax. Often times there will be live music playing, whether it be a wonderful stranger on the piano or the Men and Women’s a cappella groups on Friday afternoons. There is even a balcony up above where there are a few seating areas if you like to be a bit more secluded.
JavaStop: JavaStop is the café located to the left at the top of the main stairs. Giving off the perfect coffee-shop ambiance, this place is wonderful for a nice relaxing pit stop in between classes. The coolest feature about JavaStop is that they have seating on the covered balcony that overlooks the MU quad. Rain or shine, the balcony is a great place to sit and people-watch from afar.
If you wander around the MU, you are sure to find even more great tucked-away quiet places. And, when the sun decides to come out, don’t forget about the tables outside around the front of the building. If the grass isn’t wet, a quick catnap in the quad is a great way to soak up some rays.
3. Other Buildings
Just about every building on campus has a seemingly unknown area with great seating and lots of peace and quiet. The Women’s Building, which is directly West of the MU, has a wonderful lounge that isn’t so secret but seems to be fairly empty after lunchtime. Kelly Engineering, on the North side of campus, has a large open area filled with seats and tables. You may have to fight for a place to sit due to how crowded it can get during the day. However, if getting cozy with a stranger doesn’t matter, you will have no problem finding a place to sit. Another great place to get away and relax is the Valley Library. With a huge number of desks, you are sure to find somewhere to chill out. Looking for something a bit quieter? Each floor as you go up gets quieter with more and more available seating.
4. Dixon Rec
Many people find that being active helps them relax. If you like to sweat out the stress a trip to Dixon should be on your agenda. Dixon has things that most typical gyms will have, such as weights, machines and various courts that you can use at almost any time. They even offer FitPass classes that give you more of a group workout setting, such as Yoga and Cycling. You can take a look at the schedule here. If you aren’t looking to work out, there is also a sauna in the locker room and a hot tub down by the pools. There is also seating located all around the second floor overlooking the courts on the first level. Not bad for a college rec center, right?
5. Campus Way
If you have enough time, bike rides are a great way to take your mind off of things. Campus is beautiful during the fall to ride your bike through, but if you want to get a change of scenery while staying close to campus, Campus Way is a great road to adventure down. If you head west on Campus Way, you will ride right through the middle of Oregon State’s livestock fields. If you think sheep and cows are cute then this is the ride for you.
About five minutes past the edge of campus, you will reach the covered bridge. There is a stream running underneath this bridge that offers a great soundtrack to any reading session. Continuing down the road, if you cross 53rd street you will see a path to the right that leads up to Bald Hill. Go down that path until you reach a fork in the road. Turn right and continue for about 2 minutes. There will be an old barn on a hill to the left. The barn has only the frame left, but it is a great place to relax in the middle of nature. About a 15-minute bike ride from campus is a beautiful view of campus and a little valley. There is also a cute swing in one of the trees big enough to fit two people. If this isn’t the best place to relax, then I don’t know what is.
No matter what your cool-down ritual is, there is something for everybody here on campus. What’s your favorite place to chill out during a stressful day? Let us know in the comments!