People of all ages tend to agree that it is nearly impossible to create a strong work-life balance, and college students are no different. Juggling class credits, labs, extra-curricular activities, and paying jobs is no small feat. The one way that many students try to create this balance is by compartmentalizing their lives–just doing work and then just living life–but this makes work the constant enemy. While compartmentalization can be good for the mind and make the non-work parts of the day more enjoyable, I believe that there are a few simple ways to make work a bit more tolerable, a bit more like living life. The first step is finding your happy places.

 

Happy Workplaces and Productivity

Our first concern as students is studying; like many people, I study where I can, but I have noticed lately that I am just more productive in some places than others. For example, the dorm room (a place we should associate with sleep and relaxation) can be a fairly unproductive space compared to other locations. Many people find it easier to study in a space with other people to keep them on task, and others like to separate their study space from their living space. But there is much more to this effect than personal preferences. Studies have shown that as humans, we are unconsciously affected by various factors related to our location, and the combination of factors is so complex that there is actually a new field called psychogeography. Psychogeography primarily studies the impacts of nature and architecture, but the studies are centered around each of the five senses, not just the general psychology of humans’ reactions to certain environments. Overall, it has been found that studying in the same place can improve your recall of information in that place. Thus, it is recommended that students study for certain classes in certain locations and then move around while studying for each class. This enables better recall and also helps the brain to “reset” because breaks are also an important part of studying.

 

Happy Places and Mental Health

Sometimes, we don’t want to study and simply need a break. But students don’t just need mental breaks–sometimes we need physical breaks that are going to make us feel better. One option is finding happy places not for studying, but for simply refreshing your energy and motivation. Many people find that going for a walk in nature can be one of the easiest ways to clear the mind and get new ideas. Others make their bedrooms their happy places, filling them with the aromas of candles and the sounds of their favorite music. Happy places don’t just have to be physical places, either: whenever I’m listening to my favorite song, I’m in my happy place. Some people enjoy solitude, wherever they can find it, and it turns out that solitude can be helpful sometimes, too. Wherever or however you reach your happy place, it is important that you establish it and use it often–that way, you can connect it to positive memories and begin to condition yourself (in a way) to find happiness in that space.

 

Where to Go at PSU

Here are five happy places I have found here at PSU:

1. “Gateway to the Sciences” Bridge: This is a glass bridge that overlooks the downhill-sloping Shortlidge Road. The view of the mountains and the green is incredible, and the chairs also happen to be colorful, big, and quite comfortable. Enter through the Huck Life Sciences Building or the Chemistry Building (as these two buildings are connected by the bridge).
2. 

   Figure 2. Lemon Brooke LLC. Penn State Recital Hall.

   Secret Garden: This garden is located directly behind the Hintz Family Alumni Center. It contains a gazebo and benches surrounded by beautiful greenery, and it is home to festive lights in the winter.

3. Knowledge Commons: Located in the lower level of the Pattee Library, this newly-renovated study space has tons of natural light and enough quiet conversation to provide the perfect amount of white noise for studying.
4. Abba Java: This free coffeeshop is located downtown directly off of College Avenue, and it is designed specifically for students. The food and drink are delicious (and, yes, free!) and the atmosphere is welcoming, yet productive.
5. Music Building II (Recital Hall): Whether you come for a recital or just to hear people practicing, this space is always full of creativity and inspiration. The natural light in the recital hall (and surrounding space) is truly unparalleled, and the whole space gives off a positive and invigorating vibe.

I invite you to add your happy places in the comments below. Everyone deserves a few happy places, since we never know when a good break (or a good study session) is in order.