Stressed from Studying? Free Yourself with Meditation and Yoga

by Anita Haridat – Follow @HealthSpectator

It’s 2:00 a.m. and you find yourself studying for a ridiculous exam you do not want to take. You’re drained, entirely burned out, but you try to push through because, at the end of the day, you want to make sure you perform well. You scan through the same paragraph about 10 times and it still does not make any sense. Your concentration skills start to decrease and right on cue, your head begins to pound.

Sound familiar?

While, yes, preparing for an exam is not the most enjoyable task in the world, there are healthy ways to reduce some of the stress it creates. Instead of using alcohol or drugs to release some built up steam, try to take a deep breath, focus your attention and sustain it.

[Read Related: Yoga: It’s More Than Lululemon and the Asanas]

Based on more than 19,000 studies created at John Hopkins University, it has been found that when mindful meditation takes place at least once a day, it can ease stress, anxiety and even depression. The truth is, when you are stressed, you are dealing with distracting thoughts that make you feel crazy. Through the process of both meditation and yoga, there is an ability to rest your mind for a moment and focus on peaceful/positive thoughts.

Even if you think that you do not have the time to engage in these activities, many researchers have determined that just 10 minutes of meditation/yoga per day can work wonders for the mind. Find a quiet place, put your phone away and sit down with your eyes closed. Inhale deeply and try to forget about your worries for a few minutes. If you’re more in tune with physical activity, try to do basic yoga stretches or even the child’s pose which can increase the endorphins in your body and in turn help you feel less stressed out.

One of the most beneficial aspects of both meditation and yoga is the fact they both play a role in helping with concentration abilities. Frequent practice can be linked to the creation of a stronger connection with your inner source of energy. Plus, once you continue, you cultivate a healthy lifestyle which is beneficial for your mental and physical health.

Remember—when you are stressed, you are dealing with both frustration and agitation. When you participate in yoga and/or meditation, you are being mindful of your thoughts without the agitation. If you feel as if you cannot handle any more studying, take a few moments to breathe and to feel an inner calm within yourself.

Say some positive affirmations and most of all, believe in yourself. Happy studying!

Anita Haridat is a medical researcher with her Ph.D. in healthcare/business administration and her master’s degree in clinical nutrition. She has several publications in sources such as EGO Magazine, Natural Awakenings Magazine, Syosset Patch, Our USA Magazine and Leading Management Solutions. Her passion for health and wellness has created multiple stepping stones for paving the way of creating a positive well-being. Her blog known as the Healthy Spectator was created to give people the tools to flourish in their own lives whether they want tips on nutrition or positive thinking.

Although Anita lives and breathes health care, she has a passion for humanity and women’s issues. She enjoys writing about a wide variety of topics and she thrives through the expansion of her interests. She uses writing as an outlet to engage with others and to possibly make a difference in their lives.