Namast’ay in the Library: How Yoga Helps Me Survive Finals Week

Finals week.

Even the phrases gives me a little PTSD: flashbacks of late nights in the library and spending way too much on Starbucks late night coffee. So trust me when I say I get it. We all go through it, so I wanted to share a little tip that’s helped me calm my nerves through all of the assignments, projects, presentations, and exams on the horizon.

When you’re stressed, your body is working in over-drive. This can lead to poor performance on exams and even having to deal with sickness. This all makes exam time way worse. Being a double major with two science degrees, I learned this pretty quickly.

So how do I cope? Yoga. My roommate was in the nursing program and was always up late studying with me. When exam time came around, we started to get overwhelmed with the amount of work we had to do, so we would start the week off with some yoga. (As a side note, it definitely helps to have a friend to drag along with you!)

Settling my mind for an hour and focusing on my breath and my movements, instead of chemistry or how many chapters I still needed to outline before the exam, helped me to relax instead of hit panic mode. Yoga is not only great exercise for strengthening your body, but it’s also good for your mental health. These aspects of your overall health go hand in hand– especially during finals week, and they can help you make it through the long nights and difficult exams.

There are many different types of yoga. You can start at the beginning level, move to intermediate, take a class that is half flow and half meditation, try some aerial yoga, or maybe even glow yoga. The possibilities are endless! And most yoga studios offer free or discounts on your first class.

So when if you’re already slammed with studying, work, extracurriculars, make sure you’re finding the  time to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally.

No need to look like those girls on instagram in perfect yoga pretzels — just start with a few simple poses. You can even find great Youtube videos you can do in your room on your study breaks (my favorite is ).

Not into yoga? No problem. Everyone is different, just make sure to find something that works for you: distract yourself and relax, break up your studying. It will help keep you sane.

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• No Time to Workout? 5 Easy Ways to Squeeze in Quick, Efficient Exercises