Its that time of year again when finals are rolling around and our lives as college students become extremely stressful. The bright side is that the weather is warming up and although we are stressed with finals, everyone manages to find some time to enjoy the sunshine and grasps a better state of mind. The sunshine does that for us.

When we are feeling overwhelmed and know that we just need to take a break, the best thing to do is go outside and find a place that you feel you can relax and just take the surrounding area. All over campuses, especially the University of New Hampshire, there are awesome places to find peace and get away from all the schoolwork. Some of these places include:

1. Adams Point

There is an amazing view overlooking the water and watching the sunset here makes you appreciate the moment and realize how lucky you are. You feel a breath of fresh air and although you might have to return to campus to do work, you feel somewhat better that you were able to get outside and do something you enjoyed.

2. Stonehouse Pond

This pond and hiking nature area is located in Barrington, NH. When you arrive here, you have to drive down a long dirt road and then you come to a nice pond. You can hike around the rock and hike to the top of the rock that over looks the water. Not only are you taking a break from work, but you are also getting exercise on the short 25 minute walk to the top.

3. Rye Beach

Head over to Rye and either drive along the road where you can have your windows down and music playing or stop at any different beaches and listen to the waves crash into the sand or rocks. Although the sun sets behind you when you are at the beach, it is cool to see the moon come out, as it gets dark out.

4. College Woods

Although you might be thinking you need to get off campus if you do not have a car to drive, take a walk through college woods. Located over by the football field, it is quiet and nice to just stroll through the woods and give your brain a break from the workload that is awaiting you.

5. Hammock/ Blanket

If you own a hammock either find a spot on T-hall, at the cottages, at the Woodsides, really anywhere there are trees that can hang hammocks. Set it up and just lay there and relax. Even if you do not have a hammock you could always lay a blanket down.

Life can get really busy and stressful at this point in time, but there are many ways to let your mind rest. When you get that slight break or feel that you’re hitting a wall, give yourself some time to spend outside and unwind. Enjoy the sunshine and relax.

It is almost the end and you will have a school free summer with beautiful weather. Keep your mind focused and take the time for yourself when needed!