As the semester nears an end, AAU students face a surge in assignments and looming deadlines. With workloads piling up, the pressure is mounting, creating a tense atmosphere on campus.
In response to these demands, many students are turning to yoga as a way to manage stress and find balance in their busy schedules. Practicing yoga not only helps them cope with academic pressures but also brings a sense of calm and mental clarity to their hectic routines.
“I used to overthink and struggle with each particular problem very deeply, with yoga I became much calmer and began to care much less,” said first year Alina Shepeliuk. “After yoga sessions, I think more clearly and can analyze any problem with a peaceful mind.”
Other wellness practices, like meditation, breathing exercises, and Pilates, also help students clear their minds and release tension, offering moments of relaxation and inner peace.
“Yoga is not just postures, it is a state of being and a science of studying your mind,” said Katharine McColley, president of the Yoga Club. “I frequently journal; that kind of reflection and self study, svadhyaya, is an inherent part of yoga as well.”
For some, yoga is already a natural part of their lifestyle. For newcomers, however, establishing a regular practice can be challenging. Since yoga is highly individual, commitment levels are flexible, allowing each person to set their own pace.
“Benefits I notice are mental clarity, reduced anxiety, improved focus, pragmatism, release of physical tension, and heightened empathy,” said McColley.
Students from diverse backgrounds have discovered the benefits of yoga and incorporated it into their daily routines– not only to manage academic pressure but to maintain overall physical and mental well-being.
