Yoga and Stress 

Each year, thousands of students lose productive academic time to physical and emotional health problems. Some troubles cannot be avoided-such as deaths and family problems.  Others however, like physical and emotional concerns, can be minimized by practicing healthy behaviors.  Stress affects 32% of college students academically, and can be reduced through the practice of yoga.^[1]

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What Are The Benefits Of Yoga?:^[4]

• Physical-stretches and tones your body
• Psychological-stress reduction and a sense of well-being
• Spiritual-a feeling of connectedness with God or Spirit

Many of the popular techniques found to reduce stress have come from yoga:^[5]

• controlled breathing
• meditation
• physical movement
• mental imagery
• stretching

Basic Guidelines for Using Yoga as Stress Management: ^[6]

• Do yoga on an empty stomach, early in the morning, and again before going to sleep.
• Develop a routine.  By choosing a regular time and place to practice, you will create a habit that you will look forward to and do routinely.
• Create a quiet and comfortable place to practice.
• Do not think about getting relaxed.  Instead, pay attention to whatever feelings you are having at the moment.

There are many positions for beginners to ease you into relaxation:http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/yoga/poses/yoga-poses-beginner-intermediate-advanced/?page=7

Finding the Best class for You: ^[7]

     Practicing your yoga in a group setting is the biggest motivator for many people.  This type of accountability group holds people to a higher standard and encourages them to better themselves and their skills. Although the group setting is not a the answer for all, there are many ways for those who are interested to find someone to get involved.

• They can find a group in a local gym or university facility (for college students)
• Search http://www.yogafinder.com/ for a class time in your area that would better suit your individual schedule
• You may decide to do yoga in the privacy of your home

Downward Dog: Beginner^[8]

• Start on all fours with hands directly under shoulders, knees under hips.
• Walk hands a few inches forward and spread fingers wide, pressing palms into mat.
• Curl toes under and slowly press hips toward ceiling, bringing your body into an inverted V, pressing shoulders away from ears. Feet should be hip-width apart, knees slightly bent.
• Hold for 3 full breaths.

The Lunge: Beginner^[9]

• Start in downward dog position. Step your right leg forward to the inside of your right hand.
• Drop your left knee to the floor and lift your chest up. Keeping your right knee in line with your ankle and your back straight, place hands on your knee. Hold for 10 breaths.
• Return to downward dog; switch legs and repeat.