A Student Beginner’s Guide To Yoga

Student life can bring its own unique stresses. Yoga can help with lots of these issues and more. Plus you can do it pretty much anywhere, even on the floor of your student accomodation! 

The mental and physical exercises involved in yoga have been around for thousands of years, and have been shown to decrease stress, and increase body awareness and flexibility. Adding yoga to your life can add countless benefits - as well as being a great way to meet new people. 

And it doesn’t have to be complicated. There are plenty of very simple yoga positions that anyone can do - in fact, you’ve probably done some today already without realising. Many of these basic yoga drills will feel very natural and familiar, even if you haven’t taken a gym session in years. 

Here are some of the most useful yoga drills for beginners to start with. The poses might look simple, but they’ll do a world of good when it comes to stretching and strengthening your major muscle groups. 

Mountain Pose 

At first glance, this might look simply like standing upright, but there are few things to keep in mind. Keep your heels rooted down, engage the muscles in your legs, make sure your shoulders are directly over your hips while your shoulder blades relax down your back, and keep the crown of your head up. And then, of course, breathe.

Raised Arms Pose

Using the previous stance, now inhale and bring your arms up and over your head and pointing toward the ceiling. Then keep your arms parallel, very straight and your hands active up through the fingertips. Next step, take your gaze up towards your thumbs. And finally, lower your arms to release the pose. 

Standing Forward Bend

Exhale then fold forwards, bending over your legs, which can be touching or a hip’s distance apart. Bend your knees if your hamstrings feel tight, so you can release your spine. Keep your head hanging and slowly straighten your legs. 

Garland Pose

Move your feet out to the edges of your yoga mat and bend your knees, moving into a squat position. This position is especially good for loosening your hips. 

Lunge Pose

Stand straight then move your feet back under your hips before moving your left leg to the back of the yoga mat while bending your right knee for a deep lunge. Aim to bring your right knee over your ankle so your thigh is parallel to the floor. Keep the left leg straight with your heel reaching back. Stay in this position for five breaths before returning back to your original position then repeat with the other leg. 

These are just some of the simple yoga positions that can help bring balance and calm to your day to day life and reduce all those university stresses. Be sure to research them thoroughly before trying and if you’re in any doubt speak to a qualified yoga instructor. 

For more helpful information and advice about things to do and ways to keep relaxed during your years at university keep up to date with articles on the Uninest blog.