As we’re coming into the holiday season and exams, our lives tend to get pretty hectic. We know stress isn’t good for us but few of us take time out to de-stress. All day we are surrounded by noise and other busy people, adding to the stressful atmosphere. It’s healthy to remove yourself from this environment and find a quiet spot where you can relax and unwind, if only for a few minutes.

When asked about the detrimental effects of stress, Professor Charles Emery (Psychology) said, “Stress is associated with poor sleep, increased risk of headaches, changes in appetite, decreased use of good health choices (exercise, relaxation) and over-reliance on poor health choices such as increased smoking, alcohol consumption and recreational drug use. Studies document decreased responsivity of the immune system during times of stress and exams, making you more likely to get sick.”

Taking a short break and finding time to relax is an easy means of self-care and helps you think more clearly. Reductions in muscle tension, heart rate and blood pressure are other benefits.

Emery said, “We typically encourage people to take relaxation breaks for at least 20 minutes, two times per day, usually right before bed and some other time that is convenient. As you practice relaxation, you get better at identifying when tension is building, and can then take shorter breaks (3-5 minutes) to relax and re-focus. These brief relaxation breaks keep the stress and tension levels low.”

There are several places on and around Ohio State’s campus that can give you the chance to relax and take a break.

My top five “quiet spaces” around Ohio State’s campus are little known and guaranteed to give you some extra privacy and a much needed break this time of year.

Top 5 Relaxation Spots

Olentangy River Trail
 

The Olentangy River Trail is a great place to visit nearly year-round. If you like beautiful river and forest views, this is the place for you. I have always found going for a walk, run or bike ride along this route to be relaxing and invigorating. This trail follows the Olentangy River and snakes behind Ohio State’s West Campus, just behind Drake Performance Center, Lincoln and Morrill Towers and Ohio Stadium. This is a popular trail that still manages to fly under the radar of many Ohio State students and Columbus residents.

6th Floor Denney Hall
 

Denney Hall’s 6th floor is probably the least well-known site on this list. It’s a small landing at the top of the stairs on the High Street side of Denney Hall. There’s a single chair there that looks out over Denney’s roof onto Independence Hall and Thompson Library. You can sit here and enjoy the view while humming white noise from the maintenance room whirs in the background. This spot is a good to drop by between classes if you just want a bit of undisturbed time.

Smith Laboratory Study Area
 

Smith Hall was built in 1949 and today hosts a variety of classes. The rather dated yellow halls make you feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1950s, until you decide to stroll a bit more around the first floor. Located in roughly the middle of Smith Lab is a study area that is modern, cozy and done up in Ohio State red. Students familiar with this building love to study there, but it isn’t well-known to outsiders. If you’re looking for a new place to study, check this place out.

Mirror Lake Viewing Patio
 

This “patio” is actually a flat expanse of roof separated from a walkway by a low wall. Hop on over and you’ll get a great, undisturbed view of Mirror Lake. There are often a couple of chairs for you to sit on. The patio can be found on the Mirror Lake side of Pomerene Hall, up a flight of brick stairs, opposite a more traditional patio space.

11th Floor of Thompson Library
 

This one you’ve probably heard of, but have you checked it out? It’s definitely worth the elevator trip. There are always a few people quietly working in this cozy space. Take a break from studying or work and snap a few great pics of the Oval, the downtown Columbus skyline and other campus areas. You’ll be glad you did!

By Tatiana Tomley, ASC Communications student