Why students need to get Outside

NEWSCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Touché vol. 3 student publication

story and photography by Santiago Girault

Being a student is challenging. Long nights, and constant deadlines. Critiques that make us anxious. Endless hours of studying and working on projects. Here at NewSchool, we eat, sleep, and breathe architecture, design, and construction.

But if we never take breaks, we tend to wear ourselves out. That is why taking the time to participate in a few outdoor activities can help provide us with the energy boost needed to do better in our classes.

Studies show that being outdoors in a natural environment helps the brain rest and improves creativity. Simply moving our bodies by going on a walk, or going hiking, or doing something more strenuous like surfing can make us feel better and think more clearly.

Being outdoors has helped me manage my everyday stress. Going hiking and surfing reminds me that college is more of a marathon than a sprint. We need to take care of ourselves to avoid burning out.

Of course, finding the time to get outside can be difficult. Studio classes often take up most of our day and when we are finished with a presentation or project, most of us are understandably tired. But finding time within our busy routine to go outside and exercise is worth it.

And with everyone having different interests and schedules, it is important to find something that works well for you. To learn how others do it, I interviewed three outstanding NewSchool students who regularly participate in outdoor activities. Students who make it a priority to take a break from studying and get outside.

Rex Thompson used to be a competitive surfer. He said he still paddles out before class several times per week to catch some waves. “Surfing helps me stay calm,” he told me. Even when Rex gets behind on assignments, he still makes time to surf.

“Sometimes you just have to take a break from your schoolwork, no matter where you are on the project, you can put the work down and go outside,” he said. Rex also shared a story, a sort of anecdote that helped explain his philosophy.

"Two lumberjacks were cutting trees. One stopped halfway through and left for a few hours while the other kept working. But the one who stopped working still finished first. Why? Because he took time to sharpen his axe and taking a break made him faster and better."

Another NewSchool student, Victor Nguyen, has played golf since he was a kid. He participated in junior tournaments when he was younger and now that he is a standout architecture student, Victor said he still plays golf every week. “Golf keeps me focused,” he said. “I work hard at my studies, but I also make time for myself and for golf.”

For Victor it is all about health, he said he makes sure to take care of his body so he can perform at his highest academic level. “A healthy mind and body are as important to me as meeting a deadline."

EVEN TWENTY MINUTES OUTSIDE CAN BE ENOUGH TO MAKE ME HAPPY

For Ishti Patel, her outdoor activity of choice is archery. But not for competition, she's not trying to win anything, Ishti just likes hitting a target. “It helps me relax,” she said. “I get outside, take a deep breath, and enjoy the quiet focus.” Ishti also said she finds the time between classes or on weekends. “Even twenty minutes outside can be enough to make me happy.”

Success in college is not only about turning assignments in on time. Being successful is also about working toward becoming a better person. So, it is important that as students we do not lose ourselves in the process.

Everything improves when we remember to take breaks and go outside. Simply getting up from our desks, moving around, going outside for a walk can help. And if we take time for ourselves, who knows, we might even learn to become like a lumberjack and sharpen our axes.

To help more students stay active and get outside, I put together a short guide for hiking and surfing, something you can easily do right here in San Diego.

BEGINNER SURF SPOTS

1. La Jolla Shores

● Gentle, consistent waves and a sandy bottom.

● There's a lot of space, so it doesn’t feel too crowded. Plus, Surf Diva (right nearby) offers lessons and rentals.

Surf Lessons and Surf Shop - Surf Diva

Guide to La Jolla Beaches – La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove and Beyond! | San Diego

2. Tourmaline Surf Park (Pacific Beach)

● Mellow waves and a chill crowd.

● Super beginner friendly. It is also longboard heaven, so perfect for learning balance and catching smaller waves.

Tourmaline Surf Park | Iconic San Diego Surf Culture Awaits! - Go Visit San Diego

3. Mission Beach (South of Belmont Park)

● Sand-bottom waves that are usually soft and forgiving.