This year we’re bringing more first-hand accounts of student life from their own words. Today we focus on wellness tips and tools across the libraries to support study breaks and overall well-being.

By: Liza Nikolaenko for YourUTL
September 9, 2025

As students navigate their studies and campus life, their bodies naturally produce cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress. Cortisol helps the body react to challenges, but when levels remain elevated, it can impair concentration, memory, and decision-making.

Thankfully, the art of destressing is simple, and can take as little as 45 minutes of practicing a mindful, creative activity to take effect. Wellness initiatives at U of T Libraries offer a chance for students to practice meaningful activities that relax the mind and promote serotonin, the ‘happy chemical,’ responsible for improving mood and sharpening focus.

Here’s a few library tools to help your mind unwind and give you a brief break from study mode.

OISE Library: UnStudy Table

The UnStudy Table at OISE Library is a year-round initiative supporting hands-on creativity through crochet. Located near the entrance, it provides instructions for making crochet squares and lets students explore the activity at their own pace. This popular pastime encourages repetitive hand movements and tactile focus, helping students decompress and relax while engaging in a mindful, creative activity.

The UnStudy Table is located inside the main entrance of OISE Library, 1st floor, 252 Bloor Street West.

OISE Library: Puppets

Need a study buddy? OISE Library features a collection of puppets that can support student wellbeing on the third floor. Using a puppet as a ‘study companion’ provides a sense of social support and can reduce perceived stress, making it easier to return to work with a clearer mind. The collection includes a variety of characters, from hedgehogs to other friendly animals. Check out the full range here: OISE Puppets.

You can find the OISE Puppets in the Curriculum Resources Collection on the 3rd floor of the OISE Library (252 Bloor Street West).

Earth Sciences Library: Colouring Pages

At the Earth Sciences Library, students can pick up colouring sheets, sudoku puzzles, crosswords, and origami paper to practice mindfulness. Some of these activities are themed around ecological topics, featuring local trees, plant life, water conservation, and more. Stop by and grab a sheet or puzzle to give your mind a quick, refreshing break.

You can find the colouring and puzzles section in the Earth Sciences Library, 5 Bancroft Avenue, 2nd floor.

Eberhard Zeidler Library: Architecture Discovery Kits

At the Eberhard Zeidler Library, students can borrow Discovery Kits or spend time at the on-site Discover Station, both stocked with LEGO Architecture sets, Kengo Kuma wooden stacking blocks, and Blockitecture cityscapes. Engaging in constructive play has been shown to lower cortisol and promote focus. Borrow a Discovery Kit to take home or stop by the Discover Station in the library for a quick reset!

You can find the Discovery Kits at the Eberhard Zeidler (Architecture) Library located within the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at 1 Spadina Crescent.

In the middle of assignments and deadlines, it helps to know there are small ways to pause and reset. These activities may seem simple, but they can make a real difference in how we feel and how we study. A short break can go further than you think!

Follow @YourUTL on Instagram to learn more about our many libraries and how we support student life and well-being!

About the Author:
Liza Nikolaenko, a creative and astute second-year graduate student, is pursuing her Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.

Your UTL: Four wellness tools for study breaks

Learn more

OISE Library

Curriculum Resources Collection