Yoga and meditation have many benefits, especially for stressed and tired college students. Within this blog there will be benefits, tips on how to begin, and guided videos linked to help you start. The key to both yoga and meditation is to be open minded and remember that just like anything, it takes practice. Doing yoga or meditation for the first time can seem boring, too difficult, or not worth trying. Try your best to stay focused on your breathing. Inhaling and exhaling should be your only thoughts. Close your eyes and watch all the thoughts pass by. If a thought comes to your brain, just bring your focus back to your breathing. It is only human to have a thought pop in your mind, but retrace your focus back to your breathing. Read further to learn some of the reasons why you should give yoga and meditation a try to reduce some of your stress:

1. How to start yoga and meditation
   • Go in with an open mind and consider all the pros that you can gain from practicing yoga and meditation. Find a yoga or meditation studio, use a guided video, or make your own practice by doing a few poses or self-paced breathing exercises. 
   • Find a calm, quiet, and peaceful space to start practicing. Playing peaceful sounds or listening to a guide can help you focus solely on your breathing. 
2. Benefits of meditation for students
   • Benefits of meditation are endless. A few to name are improved memory and focus, better sleep, increase in confidence, and calm anxious or frustrated emotions. Meditation can also help you stay on track with your fitness and health goals. It can also help any addictions or cravings you feel in your life. 
3. Benefits of yoga 
   • Yoga can be a great way to relax, reduce stress, stretch, and get some exercise all at the same time. You will notice a feeling of relaxation after completing a yoga session, while feeling like you worked out and become more flexible all in the same session. Of course, yoga takes practice just like anything else, so don’t give up after the first session you try. Try a different class or instructor or switch up the YouTube videos you watch. Yoga with Adriene is one of the best YouTube yoga channels that I use to practice yoga. She has many different types and styles of videos to match your needs and what you’re searching for in your practice that day. 
4. When meditating…
   • Make sure you set yourself up to be comfortable by sitting on a chair or laying back on a pillow. Breath naturally with having almost no control of your breath and pay attention to how your body moves with every inhale and exhale.  Begin with only 2-3 minutes a day and chose a time in the day, morning or night is common, to take time and either listen to some soothing sounds or a meditation recording. 
5. Meditation and Yoga Instruction
   • Yoga classes are offered here at Whitewater on campus at the Williams Center and are offered almost every day of the week. A group fitness membership will need to be obtained or a daily pass to give it a try. Sign up on the UWW Rec Sports app or  IM Leagues online to try out a group yoga class!
   • Some of my favorite Yoga With Adriene videos:
     • 30-minute yoga for beginners
     • 30-day yoga journey
     • Yoga for low back and hamstrings 
   • Some of my favorite meditation videos:
     • Deep sleep meditation to calm an overactive mind
     • 10-minute morning meditation
     • 20-minute meditation for stress & anxiety

I hope this blog has inspired you to give yoga and meditation a try, especially if you are stressed, tired, or just a college student. Remember for both yoga and meditation, only focus on your breathing and feel the way your lungs and abdomen expand and collapse when you inhale and exhale. 

Strive for progress not perfection!

Kayla Withrow