As a college student who has normalized the overwhelming workload of my studies, I sometimes forget to practice self-care. Sometimes? More like it is the last item on my list of priorities. As the semester becomes more challenging, my body is beginning to ache because, like most, I often sacrifice my physical health at the expense of completing an assignment. Hours spent at a desk typing away has caused my posture to wane and my lower back to cry out from sitting in uncomfortable chairs. As someone who is limited in free time, but thoroughly enjoys working out, I found a routine that interlocked perfectly into my hectic schedule. I was able to get a full-body workout that stretched out every knot and ache with little to no equipment required. What is this magical workout you may ask? Yoga.
When many think of yoga, flower crown-wearing hippies listening to rain music is usually what people picture. Contrary to popular belief, yoga can be incredibly challenging and effective in improving both your physical and mental health. After scavenging YouTube, I found a 20-minute power flow video by Cat Meffan, suggested for those at the intermediate level. However, if you have never done yoga before, I will link a beginner's video as well to start you on your own yoga journey! I followed this video once a day for 7 days and now, I'm hooked. I would pull up my workout during the middle of studying when I felt myself in dire need of a break. This turned out to be a great strategy to refocus myself instead of becoming distracted with something frivolous. After my first day, I found myself standing up straighter. My legs felt the effects of holding the elaborate poses and my arms, sore from all the planking and slow but controlled movements.
Throughout the 20-minute video, I discovered many yoga concepts that can translate into our everyday lives. Taking deep breaths, creating balance, taking control, and focusing on your physical limits are all necessary to completing a yoga workout, but are also key to preventing burnout. When a pose becomes too challenging, I've learned that it's okay to take a break and modify it to something more comfortable for my body. Prior to starting this yoga challenge, this was unfathomable to me. I thought it was a sign of failure, inadequacy, weakness. In reality, it demonstrates the exact opposite. Being in tune with your limits shows true strength in character, you should always progress at your own pace. There are infinite roads to the same destination, you just have to be open-minded and willing to take control of your own path.
As a student who lives by the words, “diamonds are made under pressure”, I never thought I would so greatly enjoy the slow-paced nature of yoga in comparison to the more “intense” workouts. Through this experience, I realized I didn't need to do 100 burpees and run a marathon to get an effective workout. Everyone can find 20 minutes in their day to focus on stretching and breathing, taking a moment to give your health the love and attention it so greatly deserves.
References:
Novotney, Amy. “Yoga as a Practice Tool.” Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological
Association, Nov. 2009, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2009/11/yoga.
Cat Maffan: https://www.youtube.com/@CatMeffan
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