Quincy University students have been taking advantage of the warmer weather over the past week as spring arrives, spending more time outdoors and embracing a practice known as forest bathing.

Despite its name, forest bathing does not involve an actual forest or water. Instead, it refers to reconnecting with nature by breathing fresh air, soaking in sunlight and being present outdoors. With temperatures reaching into the 70s this week, many Quincy University students have made the most of the conditions by stepping outside and enjoying campus life.

On Friars Field, students can be seen laying out in the sun, playing sports with friends, walking around campus or completing homework on nearby benches. The open space has become a central gathering spot as students look for ways to relax and recharge during a busy academic season.

Freshman Hayven Harden said this time of year is one of her favorites and enjoys the variety of activities available on campus.

“My friends and I go on walks around campus, we like to lay out on Friars Field in the sun and just sit and chill, and we also like to play volleyball with other students on campus,” Harden said.

Forest bathing has been associated with several mental health benefits, including reducing stress hormones, boosting serotonin levels and improving focus and overall calmness. For Quincy University student Brock Wiley, spending time outdoors provides a necessary break from academic pressures.

“Being outside and being able to take a break from schoolwork, being in the sun and being able to breathe fresh air, it allows me to refocus my mind and relieves the stress of schoolwork for a bit,” Wiley said.

The combination of sunshine and social interaction also plays a role in improving mood. Quincy University student Karly Peters said being outside with friends is one of the highlights of the spring season.

“When it’s nice outside, I like to go on walks with my friends, study and do homework in the cabana, and play sand volleyball. I love being outside and hanging out with my friends,” Peters said.

As the semester continues and temperatures remain mild, students are expected to continue using outdoor spaces across campus. Whether intentionally practicing forest bathing or simply enjoying the weather, many are finding that time spent outside offers both mental and physical benefits.

With more warm days ahead, the spring season provides an ideal opportunity for students to step away from their routines, spend time with friends and enjoy the natural environment around them.