By: Thomas Dean, Contributing Writer
Photos by Emory Waye

The Calm Waters Relaxation Room offers a number of wellness amenities, including zero-gravity massage chairs, bean bags, face stimulators, crafts, and a waterfall oasis. The room is available for up to three students at a time. The neutral colors and shallow lighting create an environment that encourages wellbeing and ease for participants as they pursue serenity. 

“We wanted to create an environment for students to relax away from all the stressors of college life,” said Wellness Coordinator, Rhena Baxter. 

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“This is one space on campus to simply rest, breathe and relax with no agenda,” said Baxter.

Students are no strangers to the mental health pandemic encroaching young people everywhere. Campus can at times feel like a hub for stress and anxiety. With so many sources of negative emotions, it seems as though there is no escape from the overwhelming cacophony. 

Growing up, I always envisioned college as a care-free environment where everyone fits in and hugs are more common than homework. My idealized vision of this laissez-faire, roaring ecosystem of education proves to be stagnant as college continues to be far from perfect and students far from happy. 

A 2023 study published by the National Education Association found a significant rise in negative mental health across college campuses. Conducted annually for the past fifteen years, the study reveals a poignant trend as students continue to face more obstacles towards positive mental health. 

“44 percent of students reported symptoms of depression; 37 percent said they experienced anxiety; and 15 percent said they were considering suicide—the highest rate in the 15-year history of the survey,” the study found. “More than 90,000 students across 133 U.S. campuses participated in the survey.” 

As students, we are constantly balancing a litany of projects and social obligations from homework, emails, club events, exams, interpersonal relationships, scholarships, and the list goes on as our mental capacity decreases. 

It is important to reflect and understand the value of our worries and work towards mitigating the stranglehold on our mental health. Everyone encounters stress, and unfortunately, not everyone utilizes the programs and opportunities offered to manage and reduce their pain. 

The Calm Waters Relaxation Room is the pinnacle of peace. You can accomplish a lot when you do not try for anyone’s approval. This past week I participated in a 30-minute session and utilized this time to take a near flawless nap on the cotton suede furniture. It was productive for my mental health and made me a happier, more relaxed, and more motivated student. The room is designed to limit all stressors of the outside world, discouraging students from participating in coursework or anything else that would decrease their relaxation.

When asked about the goals for the Relaxation Room, Baxter responded,  “Students can learn about stress management and mindfulness away from the stressors of everyday life. This is a place for students to hang out separate from their anxieties.”

The University Counseling and Wellness Center’s Calm Waters Relaxation Room is open to students Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by the schedule of appointment. To schedule an appointment please contact the wellness office by phone, (251) 460-7051 or email, counselingservices@southalabama.edu.