Molly Ellenberger is a sophomore journalism news major and writes "Indiana Scones" for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
Have you ever looked at the clock, see it says 11:58 p.m. and realize you somehow forgot to turn in the essay that is due in one minute? Well, let me tell you, you're not alone — we've all been there at some point. We all have had mornings when we are so exhausted we miss the cup and pour coffee all over the counter. I’ve been there and done that, let me tell you.
When we’re in this rut of college that all of us know too well, we must get out of it somehow. The laziness and lack of motivation starts to hit me hard around midterms, and I begin missing my hometown more than usual. Around this time, I know I have to change something, so the best way for me is to destress by using yoga.
When I first came to college, I was incredibly stressed to the point where I wanted to drop out and just go home where life was easier. That's when my mom told me to find some way to let all my stress go. I tried watching TV, drawing and simply just going to events around campus. This all helped, but I was not yet at ease.
That's when I decided to try yoga.
I don't do yoga every day, but I do incorporate it into my weekly exercise routine. When I feel stressed, I roll out my yoga mat and get to destressing. I feel all my tension leave my body even after 10 minutes — it really has changed my life. Whether you live in a dorm, apartment or house, you can do yoga right at home.
If you need some freedom from the stress of college, here are some reasons yoga may help:
- Yoga clears the mind and promotes happiness.
Yoga poses can help you feel more relaxed, according to Harvard Health. Whether you are doing the downward dog pose on all fours or the child's pose laying down with your head tucked, you could feel happier trying yoga. When I first started doing yoga, I noticed how much time I had to think, and I wondered how anyone could have a clear mind doing this exercise. Some yoga poses are very simple, yet very relaxing. After a few sessions on my living room floor, I realized if I just focused on what my body was doing, my mind would clear, and all my worries went away.
2. Tension vanishes so you can relax.
Do you ever catch yourself sitting slouched over with tense shoulders? According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, yoga is twice as likely to relieve back pain and tension than medicine. When I have a lot of assignments, working many hours or missing home, my shoulders tend to stiffen up, and I end up with a headache. When I start feeling stiff, I get on my computer and find an easy yoga routine to help relieve some tension. I never knew how much yoga helped me eliminate my worries and aches. My muscles are no longer tight, and I don't get headaches very often.
3. Getting your body moving may relieve some worries.
After sitting all day in class, doing homework and watching TV, your body builds up stress you might not be aware of. During these times, my fiancé and I do yoga in our living room, so we can get our bodies moving and destress for at least 10 minutes a day. Yes, there are some days we don't do anything, but for the most part, we do yoga when feeling lazy. According to the Mayo Clinic, yoga can improve your mood and release endorphins. You can even do yoga in your pajamas if you want, and you won't have to worry about getting them dirty. I'm a very active person, so when I sit around all day, I can feel my stress building up. When I feel that, I just unroll my yoga mat, and I feel so much better.
Yoga has really changed the way I manage stress in college. It is a great way to start or end your day, and it is so much fun to do by myself or with my fiancé. With less worries and stress, I can focus on my classes and get better grades. I feel happier when I do yoga, and I love that me. I think if you give yoga a try, either in your dorm, apartment or house with an online tutorial or in a class on campus, you will fall in love with it too.
Contact Molly with comments at mmellenberge@bsu.edu.
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