No matter your major, your on-campus activities, or your work load, college is stressful for everyone. We live in a world that stresses the importance of a long, full resume. Without a much needed break now and then, you're bound to go a little insane.

In a city like Springfield, it's hard to get away from campus and from your peers. So, I've compiled a list of my favorite places to get away from it all and forget all of my problems.

1. Galloway Creek in Ozark, MO

Just a short drive from Springfield, the Galloway Creek trail gives you two options; a paved biking trail, or an overgrown trail through to woods to the "abandoned girl scout camp," Camp Winoka. The trail there is surrounded by scenic waterfalls and sweet, sweet silence.

2. Rutledge-Wilson Farm

Known for it's haunted trail every October, this park offers more than just services for little kids. When it's not full of actors dressed as zombies, the trail is actually open year round, and is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The simple farm atmosphere is very refreshing.

3. Nathanael Greene Park

This park has gorgeous trails, ponds, and even a butterfly garden. However, my favorite area of this park is the Japanese Gardens. For a small fee, you're transported to a Japanese paradise. They even have a cute Japanese house that you can cool off in, and small decks that hang over the ponds for yoga and meditation.

4. Commercial Street

A hidden gem of Springfield, this art district sports quirky flea markets, quiet coffee shops and even a few good places to get a bite to eat. It's a quiet neighborhood to get a slice of pizza and wander around the art displays and shops.

5. Chesterfield Village

This district gives you a small town feel. With restaurants, bars, and a very cheap movie theater, this neighborhood is easy to get lost in with friends. For a group escape, I highly recommend catching burgers and a movie in this district.