03
October
2018
|
16:29 PM
America/New_York

SLIDESHOW: Ohio State students enjoy games, food and pets at RECESS

Event brings nostalgia of school recess to campus

Slideshow: RECESS event
  • RECESS 2018 on the South Oval
  • RECESS 2018 on the South Oval
  • RECESS 2018 on the South Oval
  • RECESS 2018 on the South Oval
  • RECESS 2018 on the South Oval
  • RECESS 2018 on the South Oval
  • RECESS 2018 on the South Oval
  • RECESS 2018 on the South Oval
  • RECESS 2018 on the South Oval
  • RECESS 2018 on the South Oval
  • RECESS 2018 on the South Oval
  • RECESS on the South Oval
  • RECESS on the South Oval

From painting to martial arts to therapy dogs, the South Oval is open for recess at The Ohio State University.

The Office of Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service hosted the fifth annual RECESS on Wednesday. More than a dozen departments from Student Life and university organizations like the Buckeye Campaign Against Suicide helped celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week with a variety of activities to support relaxation, wellness and positive mental health.

Students could play games like corn hole or toss Frisbees. A martial arts expert was teaching students how to shatter wooden boards with their bare hands. The event comes as mid-term exam preparation is underway.

Janet Newcity from Pet Partners of Ohio brought two therapy dogs to the event and said they were popular for students to play with and pet.

“There’s actually research that shows petting a dog helps relieve stress, helps your blood pressure and lowers your cortisol levels,” Newcity said.

More than 1,200 students participated in the RECESS event last year.