For many, college can be a very stressful time, leaving students feeling overwhelmed and burned out. When I first moved to college, I began experiencing mental health struggles due to the many associated life changes. Then, to fulfill my physical activity requirement, I signed up for a yoga class.

Yoga is an ancient practice originating in India that combines breathing, physical poses, and meditation. I quickly fell in love with the practice, and as the semester progressed, I began to discover its benefits. Yoga is a helpful practice that can improve a college student's mental and physical health.

A Tool for Mental Wellness

Yoga can be a powerful tool to improve mental health. College students often juggle school, work, a social life, and so much more, which can cause stress and anxiety. Yoga’s components of mindfulness and controlled breathing help reduce these feelings.

Research has found that yoga lowers cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone [1]. A 2020 study by researchers at NYU’s School of Medicine found that yoga can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder [2].

Studies using MRI scans show increased thickness in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex among regular yoga practitioners [3]. These brain areas are responsible for learning, memory, and information processing, and strengthening them may help students who struggle with focus.

A Boost for Physical Health

Yoga is also a great way for college students to look after their physical health. Through its physical poses, students can improve flexibility, build muscle strength, improve posture, and even gain better balance and coordination. Yoga can also help improve heart health by increasing blood circulation and lowering the risk of heart disease.

Additionally, yoga can help college students who struggle with insomnia. A Harvard Health article reports that practicing yoga regularly may reduce symptoms of insomnia [4].

How to Start Your Practice

Starting a yoga practice may seem overwhelming. However, there are plenty of ways for college students to learn and begin.

YouTube is a great resource for beginners. Students can find a variety of classes, from gentle to power yoga, taught by great teachers for free.

Many university recreation centers offer yoga classes that are already included in tuition. Some universities even have yoga clubs where students can meet others interested in the practice. Students can also research local yoga centers in their area, as some offer student discounts or pay-what-you-can classes.

Finding Your Balance

While college can be a stressful time, yoga can help students take care of their mental and physical well-being. What begins as a simple class requirement can become a powerful tool for navigating the pressures of student life. Ultimately, yoga offers a way to find balance, not just on the mat, but in your academic and personal life as well.

[1] https://lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu/how-exercise-balances-cortisol-levels/

[2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200812144124.htm

[3] https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-16-6913-2_13

[4] https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/yoga-tai-chi-walking-and-running-may-help-with-insomnia

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