Yoga Poses You Can Do While Studying
By Felicia Zhu
It’s that time of the year: Finals Season. Sitting down to study for hours at a time is exhausting, and makes your muscles tense up. When it’s time to cram and there’s no time to exercise, why not combining the two? Studying while exercising.
Let’s get started!
1. First–Breathe
Try following along to this cool gif to calm and pace your breath!
Yoga is all about breathing and being in control of your breath. When you sit down to open your books, and you feel overwhelmed with how much work you have to do, first–take a deep breath. You got this.
2. Lotus Pose
Lotus pose is one of the most common poses to meditate in. This pose is group friendly, so try it out when studying with friends. Remember to keep your back straight and sit up tall for extra posture benefits and an added confidence boost.
4. Wide Angle Forward Bend
(Photo credit: www.gtvcdn.com)
Sitting for a long time puts a lot of pressure on your hips. Easily transition to this pose from Lotus pose and open and stretch out your legs and hips. Lean slightly forward for an extra stretch. This pose helps to increase your circulation to your legs and results in better circulation overall.
3. Half Cobra Pose
(Photo credit: Yoga.com)
Is your neck and back starting to hurt? Chances are, you’re leaning forward too much when sitting at the desk. Try the half cobra pose. In yoga class, after we do a lot of forward bends, we’ll do this pose to release the tension in your back from all the forward bending. The same applies for sitting down to study. Lean back and relax.
5. Down Dog
(Photo credits: bringmebliss.com)
Need a refresher? If you feel like your brain cells are dying, try this pose. After half cobra pose, transition into Down Dog. This pose sends a rush of blood to your head and improves circulation to your brain. BONUS: For an added leg stretch, bicycle your legs (by straightening and bending one leg at a time).
6. Just For Fun
Halfway done with studying and need a break? Try this pick-me-up with a friend.
7. Handstand
If you’re feeling up to it and want a workout, practice doing handstands–while doing pushups. Keep your notes underneath your head, and memorize/body-build away.
8. Child’s Pose
Anytime you need a break, try Child’s Pose. It’s a restorative pose, and helps your body relax.
You can do this. Good luck with finals & Fight On!
Need more tips? Feel free toask!
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