Rest periods are proven to improve your study and well-being. Here’s a tempting activity for today’s #studyhappy Library break…
Library yoga can be risky. Choose an inopportune moment to strike the Warrior I pose or an Intense Side Angle, or maybe the Lord of Fishes stance while you’re in the silent study area, and you might end up (yet again) frightening a fellow student…By Eric Baron.
But what is yoga? And what are the benefits of practising it, especially for students? How do you avoid the sticky (and sweaty) yoga situations above? Well, we have the answers and some recommended yoga resources to get you started. And the best part is you don’t even need to leave your desk.
Why is yoga such a good stress-buster?
- Yoga has been around for about 5,000 years—long enough to prove that it works.
- But if that’s not enough, there are plenty of scientific studies documenting the physical and mental health benefits of yoga. Some of these include increased strength and flexibility, better posture and balance, and a greater sense of mental well-being.
- Proper breathing is also an integral part of yoga. Breathing that focuses on the diaphragm (or “belly breathing”), deep inhales and long, slow exhales keeps your body better oxygenated, and thus your mind more alert.
- Fortunately, practising yoga is super easy. It’s meant for all ages and levels of fitness, and the stress relief is immediate—whether you’re a fresher, post-grad or PhD candidate.
How do I do it?
Even yoga itself is flexible. If you’re just starting, it might be wise to check out a class (the NHS offers a list and information about yoga associations, or try searching for “Yoga Videos” on YouTube and online, to actually see how the movements are performed).
Try it out…
Remember, try and take a break from sitting every 20 twenty minutes. That’s the perfect time to stand up and stretch, get a drink of water and strike one of your brand new poses. These resources are a good place to start:
The Yoga Journal – an excellent resource for beginners and seasoned yogis alike. Check out their index of breathing exercises and different poses.
Especially as the weather gets nicer, some exercises will need to be done outside, by Café Library or on the common between the Library and the Modern Records Centre. But if you do keep it indoors, make sure to practice quietly, like a yoga ninja…
Check out Warwick Sports range of yoga sessions too!
Image: YOGA in nature’s way/ Tony Gladvin George/CC BY 2.0
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