GCSU’s Wellness & Recreational Center (WRC) recently hosted sunset yoga on Front Campus to offer students a more therapeutic workout.
The event took place on Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. and about 100 students attended. The relaxing scene acted as a much-needed break for individuals needing to destress.
“I needed a break from studying to get exercise,” said Rachel Urbach, a sophomore psychology major. “I’ve been studying for a test tomorrow and I felt like I needed to go and do something with my friend.”
Exercise and spending quality time with friends are two ways of de-stressing, especially when midterms are just around the corner. Another key hack when it comes to prioritizing mental health is spending time outdoors.
“I go to the yoga classes every week with my friend Anna and I thought a different change of scenery would be nice,” said Kaeli Allison, a junior exercise science major. “I feel like it’s a good way to clear your mind, especially if you have a test that week.”
Most students are trying to find ways to manage the pressure when midterm testing is so soon. It can be difficult to recognize when your body and mind are in need of a break when assignments and tests are building up. The sunset yoga instructor advertised for students to take a moment to redirect their focus.
“I think that [outdoor exercise] helps with anxiety and depression,” said Amy Bishop, the event’s student instructor. “Just take a minute to sit down and just focus on your breath and not about the stress of school or any tests or family problems. Just sit there and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to clear your head.”
Bishop’s words can resonate with individuals seeking to take a step back from stressors. She emphasized outdoor exercise because of its healing capabilities. Since exercising in itself stabilizes mood, being in nature naturally enhances that biological phenomena.
According to Piedmont Healthcare, an online medical service, “Outdoor exercise can help ward off seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression and anxiety because sunshine naturally increases serotonin, a hormone that affects your mood.”
Bishop’s outdoor yoga session began just before sunset, setting the scene to be relaxing and serotonin-filled. Along with this, the near 100 students in attendance shed light on how close the community is at GCSU.
“I think it’s all more of a sense of community when you’re outside with everybody,” said Kathryn Price, the supervisor from the WRC at GCSU. “This provides an opportunity for people to get out that normally don’t go to the gym.”
From her supervisor position, Price recognized that there was an influx of students at the sunset yoga event in comparison to everyday gym hours. The coordinators of the event even went so far to provide nearly 100 yoga mats to account for the high attendance.
The Wellness and Recreational Center has made an active effort to promote exercise and well-being in all of GCSU’s students. During the month of October, the WRC promotes Exercise and Medicine Month by curating events for all to attend.
The events range from group fitness classes, to haunted trails, to festive activities that promote health and well-being. The Wellness & Recreation section of GCSU’s website highlights the exciting and physically engaging events taking place. Navigate to the website, gcsu.edu, to learn more.