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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCD chapter.

After a stressful week of midterms, a yoga session on the Quad is exactly what you need to unwind. Teachers-in-training from Akasha Yoga, in collaboration with Student ABIDE (Association of Body Image and Disordered Eating), are teaching yoga for free on Fridays from 1-2 pm until the end of Fall quarter. Take advantage of this opportunity before it’s gone! It’s amazing how much you can benefit from contorting your body into shapes you never knew existed. 

1. Improve your flexibility.

Improved flexibility is one of the most obvious benefits of yoga. The simple act of stretching does more than make you limber; it helps prevent injuries and is a vital part of staying fit and able. Stretching improves your blood flow and oxygen circulation, a good prerequisite for fighting illnesses. A debilitating cough is a definite no-no during midterm season. Even if you’re not confident in your ability to stretch, don’t worry! Over the course of multiple sessions, you’ll notice a slight loosening of your joints, and your daily aches and pains (back pain from heavy backpacks, sore knees from being on your feet all day) may even fade away. Even your posture will improve, leading to a more confident, better-looking you!

2. Stabilize your emotions.

Exercise has been shown to help people improve their mood, and yoga is no exception. Not only are you benefiting from the rush of endorphins, a significant increase in serotonin and oxytocin levels may also result when you practice mindfulness in a group setting. Participating in yoga also encourages self-care for people in therapy, enabling the “patient” to take an active role through positive change. 

3. Cure your hangover.

It may be the last thing on your mind when you wake up with bleary eyes and a throbbing head, but yoga can help you get rid of that blasted hangover. Yoga speeds up detoxification and improves metabolism, expediting your body’s process of getting rid of all that alcohol.

4. Jog your memory.

Yoga is about focusing on the present. Studies have shown that yoga may also improve reaction time and memory. By participating in yoga, you reduce mental and physical stress, clear your mind, and make room for clearer cognitive thought processes. That might come in handy for midterms and finals . 

Here’s to clear minds and healthier bodies, collegiettes! 

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Enya Meng is a junior at UC Davis studying Clinical Nutrition with a minor in English. She aspires to become a registered dietitian working with patients with eating disorders. Her favorite things to do include reading, writing short stories, and experimenting with new recipes.
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