Stretch to de-stress

Finals week can cause stress, which directly affects physical health. Late-night study sessions or last-minute essay writing can leave students with cramped or strained muscles, only adding to the fatigue of final exams.

The key to remaining physically and mentally healthy, according to certified yoga instructor Dennise Gackstetter, is to get up and stretch.

A lecturer in the Department of Art and Design at Utah State University, Gackstetter has practiced yoga for 30 years. She said she’s found that sitting, which she refers to as a “repetitive stress disorder,” creates tension in the body as muscles try to maintain themselves. That’s why she urges students to “check-in” with their bodies every 20 minutes with deep breathing and simple stretching.

Gackstetter shared several simple, space-conscious stretches to rejuvenate tired muscles during marathon study sessions. To be effective, stretching should be done with deep and controlled breathing.

1. Cupping: Spending hours staring at a computer screen can cause strain on the eyes. This works to release some of that tension. Rub hands together for 20 seconds until the hands are warm, then place hands over eyes.

2: Tree pose: This simple pose will stretch the shoulders and arms. Place one foot just above the ankle of the opposite leg and lift arms up, fingers reaching to the ceiling. Hold for several deep breaths, then repeat standing on the opposite leg.

3: Trunk twist: While sitting on the edge of a chair, put the right hand on the opposite arm rest and the left hand on the back rest, stretching the torso. Hold for several deep breaths then switch to the opposite side.

4: Standing a few feet in front of a table, bend the knees and place hands flat on the table, ears parallel to the upper arms. Lengthen out the knees to stretch the legs. Hold for several deep breaths.

For more information on Gackstetter’s yoga courses visit yogawithdennise.com.

—manda.perkins@hotmail.com

Twitter: @perkins_manda