10 Amazing Benefits Of Yoga For Uni Stress
Stress at University leads to unproductivity, falling behind and feeling miserable. The best thing is, it doesn’t have to be like that. Remaining organised and keeping a clear head is a great way to combat the worry. If you’ve never tried yoga before, this list will make you want to. Not only is yoga a great way to stay in shape, but it is the best stress buster! Whether you attend a class with your friends, or follow a YouTube video, here’s 10 amazing benefits of yoga for stress.
1. Mental health.
This the most important things you have to look after as a uni student but sometimes it gets moved way down on our priority list. Practising yoga for as little as 15 minutes a day boosts your metabolism and release those all-important endorphins into the brain keeping us happy and healthy.
2. Boosts immune system
Stress hormones play havoc with our immune system making us susceptible to the dreaded Fresher’s Flu! One of the benefits of yoga is that it stimulates the lymphatic systems which helps drain toxins from the body keeping us in top form.
3. Helps improve focus
Yoga is all about awareness of the body and mind. Often life gets in the way and we forget to acknowledge that without these two things, we wouldn’t be able to function at all. Paying attention to our breathing and working on being less distracted for a little bit every day, improves our focus and makes us more productive – more time for fun!
4. Helps with relaxation
Deadlines, classes, social events, student finances – sometimes it all just gets too much. Yoga combines physical poses with meditation which lowers our blood pressure helping us to relax.
5. Prevents IBS and Digestive problems
Student diet often comprises of the cheapest, tastiest foods we can find. We learn to develop a true appreciation for Mum’s home-cooked meals. We quickly understand the importance of eating a balanced diet when our digestive system becomes well… not as regular as always. By stretching, folding and twisted the abdominal area, we increase blood circulation and improve the functionality of our digestive system.
6. Boosts self esteem and inner strength
Exercise in general helps us feel good about ourselves but yoga combines poses that are all about creating space and opening up and relaxing into ‘safe’ poses like child pose. It helps us acknowledge what makes us fearful and works towards combatting anxiety and strengthening our self-esteem.
7. Benefits your relationships
I know when I’m stressed, I’m not the greatest person to be around. I become a little snappy and irritable. Since I began practising yoga, I have taken time out of my day just to focus on me as a result, I am a better person to be around. It also provides a kind of spiritual grounding that makes us more understanding and resilient to the stresses and strains of life.
8. Soothes Sinuses
No matter how we try, sometimes fresher’s flu is just unavoidable. But even if you can’t prevent it, yoga is great for the sinuses and relieving symptoms of cold and flu. It works by redistributing the pressure in your head around the body helping to clear blockages by controlled breathing.
9. Protects us from Injury.
We all know that yoga increases flexibility and makes us more supple. This means that if we fall down or injure ourselves (be it in a nightclub or on a football field) the impact causes far less damage.
10. Most of all encourages self-care
Student life is busy and hectic, we might not always have time to play sports or be able to afford going to the gym. Taking just 20 minutes out of your day to work on yourself, is essential for being the best you!
