Why All College Students Should Consider Yoga

The words of the great Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy,” actually has a lot of merit.

Most college students have a lot on their plate, from juggling classes, exams, a social life and extra curricular activities. It’s easy to get tense. It’s not a big surprise that college students are some of the most stressed out people in the country. College is tough.

For many students it is their first time on their own and they have to find a way to balance basic necessities. Because, let’s face it, a diet of Ramen noodles isn’t always the most nutritious meal.

The answer for the college student may be yoga. People have practiced yoga for thousands of years, and is just now becoming mainstream in the U.S.

What makes yoga different compared to other, more traditional forms of exercise, is that it works the mind as well as the body. Obvious benefits of yoga are increased flexibility, strength and peace of mind. But, yoga has much more to offer that many college students might not be aware of.

Feeling stressed? Yoga.

Yoga relaxes both your mind and your body. It helps to relieve the tension that accumulates in muscles. Physiological benefits help those who practice yoga regularly become more resilient to stressful conditions and reduce a variety of important risk factors for various diseases, especially cardio respiratory diseases.

Want to look good? Yoga.

Yoga woks core muscles, and stabilizers that are not used in traditional exercise. Yoga stimulates glands, which secrete hormones and slow the aging process. Studies show that sweating is one of the best moisturizers for your skin. Studies also show, that yoga can improve bone density and improve your posture.

Not getting enough rest? Yoga.

Yoga is known to induce the relaxation response, and even raise levels of serotonin. Physiological benefits help those who practice yoga regularly become more resilient to stressful conditions and reduce a variety of important risk factors for various diseases, especially cardio respiratory diseases.

Worried about gaining the freshman 15? Yoga.

Yoga increases core strength as well as working to tone muscles. According to a University of Washington study the regular practice of yoga can even help reduce food cravings. In a hot yoga class you can easily burn well over 550 calories in one class. Who doesn’t need that after all the southern food?

Headaches? Yoga.

Studies have shown that after practicing yoga regularly, those who suffer from migraines will experience fewer and less painful migraines over time.

Having a hard time studying? Yoga.

Yoga can block stress and tension. As well as improving your mental focus, clarity of mind, and ability to concentrate. Many schools are beginning to implement yoga daily to help students de-stress and focus.

Hangover? Yoga.

Yoga can minimize your suffering after a long night at the square. Yoga postures release toxins, improve circulation, and can improve recovery. Yoga oxygenates the body and can help you revive and rejuvenate. Thus, getting rid of your hangover faster.

There are many places to take a yoga class in Oxford and begin receiving all of these awesome benefits. Check out these local Yoga studios:

Grace Flow Yoga
Hot Yoga Plus
Oxford YMCA
Southern Star Yoga
Turner Center

Rachel Romero, Hot Yoga Plus manager said, “Yoga provides an opportunity for students to zone in. It is so important in today’s society, where we are bombarded with constant stimuli and opinions, to take the time to quiet the mind so that we might hear ourselves. Through the physical practice of yoga we are able to get out of our own way. We are able to become a more honest version of ourselves. Having this practice so early in life will certainly provide these students with an edge, personally and professionally.”

Ole Miss student Amanda Hunt said, “It offers me a chance to get away from classes and school work that I am easily consumed by. I am able to focus on me and my health and not worry about stress for a little while. It’s a mini escape.”

Hannah Harding is a senior IMC major at The Meek School of Journalism and New Media and an intern for HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at hlhardin@go.olemiss.edu.