Hana Oakes

It’s possible for all of us to get overwhelmed and stressed out.

Amidst homework, readings and exams, mental stability might take the back burner for college students. This can lead to an array of negative impacts such as headaches, anxiety, fatigue and depression. One way to get away from all the college craziness is to seek refuge in nature.

Associate director of the Master of Public Health Program Gen Meredith explains, “New research from an interdisciplinary Cornell team has found that as little as 10 minutes in a natural setting can help college students feel happier and lessen the effects of both physical and mental stress.”  

Thankfully there a few parks right by Penn State Abington’s campus, where any student can go take a stroll and take a break from the stressors of current day life. Buehler Park Nature Study Area is a forest that opens up into a large clearing, complete with shrubs, wildlife and benches, located only 10 minutes away from campus. Another great park available to Abington students is Roychester Park, sporting a pond and field to take a walk by. This park is also quite close, only a 5 minute drive.

There are definitely options around campus to explore and de-stress, it’s just a matter of getting out into nature!