Illini Union and McKinley offer relaxation room for students

By Marc Kovarsky

As midterms come to an end and final exam preparation begins, many students find themselves overworked and stressed out. The relaxation room in the Oasis of the Union is a unique way to unwind and forget about life for twenty minutes.

“When I’m really stressed out and need somewhere to go, the relaxation room is a great way to get away,” said Titilope Ademokun, sophomore in AHS.

Walking into the room, one may think they are walking into a home movie theater. Eight leather recliner chairs sit in front of a projection screen where students can view scenic imagery and listen to muscle relaxation exercises.

“Since the relaxation room opened last February, over 500 visitors have gone and taken advantage of it,” said Jennifer Carson, stress management coordinator for McKinley Health Center.

After fixing some initial technical problems, the room continues to attract more and more guests.

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“The relaxation room specifically was a joint effort of the Illini Union, McKinley Health Services and the Architecture School,” Carson said.

The room was designed to stimulate the optimal level of relaxation.

“A graduate architecture student conducted research to make sure every detail, including the colors of the wood and the recliners chosen, was perfect,” Carson said. “I also worked with a video production company to develop an audio visual guided-imagery experience and progressive muscle relaxation exercises for optimal relaxation.”

The relaxation room is free to students and costs five dollars for faculty and staff. Many students are not aware of the service because it is still fairly new.

“I believe this is a good idea, but the University should expose (the room) more,” said Jason Kim, freshman in Business. “When I’m in the Union, I usually relax by going into the quiet room with the comfy chairs. I didn’t even know this room existed.”

The Oasis also offers other stress-relieving services.

BodyWork Associates, a local massage therapy company, offers their services to students, faculty and staff at discount prices.

“You need to make time for yourself,” said Carson. “If you are not taking care of yourself, all the other stuff you are involved in suffers.”