Explore Rice spaces and places as an extension of the Recreation Center.
Take a self-guided walking experience around campus. Discover, reconnect, and experience the restorative qualities of nature in your day-to-day movement. Our highlighted spaces and places will rotate each semester. Please visit the recreation center to check out equipment at no cost to maximize your experience. The Recreation Center offers several classes and workshops throughout the year dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through healthy practices of all kinds. If you are interested in learning how to improve your "health-span" and build a community of support and connection, please visit us at the Gibbs Recreation Center.
Please visit https://recreation.rice.edu/memberships/equipment for all your equipment needs.
Picnic Areas
Whether you have a solo picnic or invite a few friends, a picnic is an excellent opportunity to step back and meditate on the things that truly matter.
Experience five ways in which picnicking can be therapeutic.
- Get some free vitamin D.
- Breathe in the fresh air!
- Let go of stress.
- Take a moment to reflect.
- Enjoy a healthy mood boost.
Reading Areas
Did you know that there are many benefits of reading outside? It has widely proven that time spent outside can improve your mood, focus, and concentration. For outdoor readers, this is especially true when compared to those reading indoors with artificial light. Studies have shown that reading outside helps reduce stress, anxiety, and eye strain.
Let's Play Bocce
Set aside life’s stressors for a moment to enjoy some recreation time with friends. Playing bocce combines social activity, light exercise, and outdoor time which is a great recipe for stress relief. It can help improve your coordination, and while some people may think they can just throw their ball as hard as possible to win, that is not the case. A little strength is essential; however, a lot more brain power is involved. Factors like distance and velocity need to be considered and this engages your brain and keeps it active and sharp. Playing bocce involves movements such as bending your body and extending your arms as well as staying on your feet and moving up and down the court after each frame. Flexing and moving your joints without causing too much strain on them can be a great way to improve flexibility while maintaining mobility.
Outdoor Meditation
Meditating outdoors can have significant benefits on your physical as well as mental health. The connection built with nature helps reduce blood pressure, increase dopamine and oxytocin production, and a feeling of more energy. Allow yourself to let go of your day-to-day worries and even your requirement for technology. Communicate through nature.
Take a walk
Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. Just 30 minutes daily can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. Make walking an enjoyable part of your lifestyle.
Immerse Yourself in Art
Art doesn't just touch our hearts; it shapes our brains. The process of creating and appreciating art promotes brain plasticity, the brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections. This promotes cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills, key attributes in our fast-paced, ever-changing world.