A UCF student takes a break from schoolwork near Memory Mall on Friday afternoon.
Travis Hogan
For World Mental Health Day, which took place on Friday, UCF students shared that a simple pause outdoors can make a real difference — from the Reflecting Pond’s calm waters to the hammocks swinging across Memory Mall.
As the midday sun glinted off the Reflecting Pond, junior computer science major Kenned Wynn sat under the shade, watching students pass by.
“I usually come out here after class to decompress,” Wynn said. “Your mind’s like a cup, you fill it during the day, and sometimes you just need to spill some out.”
With classes and assignments piling up, he said these quiet moments are essential for clearing his mind.
“These spots on campus feel like a little oasis,” Wynn said. “Even for 15 minutes, it makes a huge difference in how I think and feel.”
These small pauses are more than just scenic breaks. A study by the National Library of Medicine found that spending as little as 10 minutes in nature can lower stress hormones, improve mood and boost focus, especially among college-aged students.
Across campus, senior health science major Deeya Bhatt has found her own ways to slow down and relax.
“Being outside helps me reset,” Bhatt said. “I love people-watching. It pulls me out of my head and helps me remember there’s more to life than my stress.”
She also praised Foxtail Coffee Co. on campus for its calming atmosphere after heavy coursework.
“Just grabbing a coffee and doing nothing for a few minutes helps more than I expected,” Bhatt said.
On a campus as large as UCF, finding time to relax can feel impossible, but the university offers built-in spots for mental breaks, from shaded benches and arboretum trails to the koi pond near the Student Union. For students, these quiet spaces aren’t just about scenery. They are a way to pause, reflect and recharge.
Wynn said when his mind feels crowded, even 15 minutes by the pond helps clear the fog.
“I’m just there, not thinking, it relaxes me,” Wynn said.
Another study, this one published by Ecopsychology, also found that spending just 10 minutes in nature can reduce stress and improve mood, even in adults experiencing mental health challenges.
The need for these breaks is clear.
According to Transforming Education, more than 60% of students report feeling stressed every day, with many experiencing daily stress from academic pressures and personal challenges.
Bhatt added that sometimes just changing her surroundings can shift her entire mindset.
“Going outside, even for a short time, can completely change how you feel,” Bhatt said.