Yoga and Chill

By Georgina Nicholos on January 7, 2017

How often do your find yourself searching the web for the perfect stress reliever? As college kids, I am sure we have all been there! More than once or twice might I add …

I am here to tell you that if you have yet to find that perfect stress reliever, yoga may be the answer! Not only yoga but fitness itself. Although college can be extremely demanding when it comes to free time, many students who find time to both manage their studies but also work out tend to do way better. Why is this? According to many researchers, scientists, and people in general, exercise allows the brain to release endorphins. By doing so, this allows our minds and bodies to relax and get a chance to breathe. Research it. I promise I’m not lying!

Now what? You may find yourself thinking, “Okay, but I don’t even know how to do yoga!” or “Yoga sounds too complicated and dumb.” Again, we’ve all been there more than once regarding something we may or may not have ever tried yet still refuse to try whatever it is. Maybe it would help if I was to provide you with a few yoga poses that are easy, fun, and super beneficial! In 10-15 minutes or less, these poses will have you feeling relaxed and possibly motivated to try some more.

First things first, breathe. After you breathe, breathe some more. After you breathe some more, breathe some more after that. Breathing is the first step to all relaxation, especially yoga. Although yoga is calm, forgetting to breathe can make things difficult.

1. Reclined Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana)

– This pose is done while lying down. Yes, I said it, lying down. Although you can do this exercise on a bed, this and all other yoga exercises are better if done on the floor.

– First, lay on your back and take a deep breathe, release, and lower your back torso toward the floor.

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– Second, fold both legs upward until your knees are facing the ceiling. Place both arms in a T-position while lying on your back.

– Third, slowly open your legs outwards (opposite ways) while taking slow, deep breaths. Doing this fast will not create the same relaxing result. By allowing your legs to naturally release more and more allows stress to leave your body and relax without trying.

– Hold this pose for 60 seconds, release your legs, and repeat as needed. Do not forget to breathe throughout the whole exercise.

2. Down Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

– This pose is going to be done on the floor as well, as instructed above. You will begin this pose lying down but instead of lying on your back, you will need to lie on your stomach.

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– First, lay on your stomach as you would after you have just finished a push-up.

– Second, take a deep breath and slowly use your feet and hands to push your pelvis up towards the ceiling. Stretch your elbows and knees completely while still trying to relax your back.

– Third, try to extend your full energy through your fingertips while pressing your pelvis away from the floor as much as possible. You are trying to make your body into a triangle shape with hands and feet being on the floor.

– Fourth, hold for 60 seconds, slowly release back down to your flat position on the floor, and repeat as needed. Do not forget to breathe throughout the whole exercise.

3. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

– This pose is going to be done on the floor as well. This exercise is extremely popular in yoga because of the way it stretches your muscles but also allows you to relax your mind and concentrate on your breathing.

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– First, lie on your stomach in order to begin this exercise. Place both hands on the floor right under your shoulders. You may ball your hands into a fist with your forearms facing the ground which brings your chest a bit off the ground.

– Second, while leaving your left leg straight, slowly bring your right knee and foot towards your pelvis. In simpler terms, use your big toe and slide it up towards your knee so that your right knee is facing outwards towards the wall.

– Third, slowly push your upper body up with your hands while leaving your lower body as is. DO NOT push further than your body can go as this will result in injury. As you rise, you will come to a position where your body is pushed up straight and your lower body is still stretching flat on the ground. You will use your hands to guide you.

– Fourth, hold for 60 seconds, repeat as needed. Do not forget to breathe throughout the whole exercise.

I mean …

Netflix and chill? How about yoga and chill? Better yet, how about Netflix, yoga, and chill? The next time you think you do not have any time to relax or workout, try out one or more of these yoga poses while watching your favorite Netflix series and see how much stress you really release!

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