College students often experience elevated levels of stress due to the changing of their lifestyles to accommodate the increase of workloads from class and work, newer responsibilities, and interpersonal relationships. The extreme levels of stress hinder work effectiveness and lead to poor academic performance and poor mental and physical health. It is important to introduce successful coping mechanisms and activities to avoid the harmful effects of excessive stress. One activity that helps relieve stress and acts as physical activity is Yoga. Yoga can be done at any point during the day and has no cost besides time to be performed.
Yoga incorporates meditation and breathing exercises that help the mental well-being of the person practicing it. When done regularly, it creates relieving chronic stress patterns, relaxes the mind, and sharpens concentration. It also helps with the detection of physical problems. Yoga is an important option for college students to consider, not only for the mental benefits but also for the physical benefits as well. The physical benefits of yoga are:
- Increased flexibility
- Increased muscle strength and tone
- Improved respiration
- Maintaining a balanced metabolism
- Weight reduction
- Improved cardio and circulatory health
- Improved athletic performance
- Protection from injuries
There are thousands of yoga poses for students to try, so no matter how active you are, there are poses and activities for you!