FREE Relaxation Station on campus?! 

Located in Carkoski Commons, the Health Education Office contains a secret room that many students are unaware of even existing.

I met with Health Educator Lori Marti to talk about the Relaxation Station and the services it offers. She showed me the room, it is easy to see how it got its name. Its warm atmosphere and dim lighting are inviting.

But that large massage chair in the center of the room…well, it’s like a stress-relief magnet. I was drawn to lay down and kick my feet up for a while. 

Lori says that many students have fallen asleep during their 45-minute session. It is a great nap spot. Other services in the room include aromatherapy. You can choose either a relaxing scent or an energizing one.

Another feature the room has is a 10,000 lux bright light that students can use to combat symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other conditions.

Lori suggests beginning to use this light in November for 15-20 minute sessions daily.

She points out that it is a little known fact that students can rent bright lights from the library although those lights are not at the brightness the relaxation station offers.

If you’re not looking for a massage chair or bright light, no worries. Take some time to fill out a coloring sheet or look through the basket of relaxation rocks collected across the NorthShore. 

Whatever you’re looking for, we all deserve to take time for ourselves. Stop by the Health Education Office between 8 a.m and 3:30 p.m. Or give them a call at 507-389-5689 to schedule a time to relax and recharge.

Chelsea Schaffer is the Centennial Student Union Communications Graduate Assistant pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As the CSU Communications GA, Chelsea supervises a student staff of graphic designers and public relations interns/assistants and serves as managing editor for the student e-newsletter, supervises the weekly CAN events calendar and aids in various marketing communications duties.