Find Relaxation Through Inner Spirituality
Francesca BonaiutoStaff Reporter
Issue date: 2/24/05 Section: Features
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Stress is impossible to eliminate because it is a simple fact of life, but there are ways to manage it.
Pilates, Yoga, and meditation have seen great responses among college students as a way to de-stress oneself from the everyday college demands.
"It's important for SHU students to engage in spirituality practices such as Pilates because it helps with stress and relaxation," says ToniAnn Callen, senior, Carmel, NY. "I do it once a week and it allows me to clear my mind of my daily stresses and get a good workout at the same time," adds Callen.
"It's weird but I feel very calm after doing Pilates," says Kim Picone, senior, Manhasset, NY. "It is definitely stress relieving."
Inner-spirituality practices allow for one to focus on their mind, body, and spirit. It forces people to block out all the other thoughts of what they need to do for the day and take time to focus on nothing but a deep breath.
The benefit of inner-spirituality practices besides strength and flexibility is mental clarity. The ultimate goal of yoga, Pilates, and meditation is to find inward focus and connect with oneself.
"Pilates zones me out," says Kathleen Elder, senior, Hopkinton, M.A. "It's different than any other workout because it forces you to focus on the little movements you have to do and the breathing. I've never felt anything like it," adds Elder.
Stephan Bodian, author of Meditation For Dummies, states in her book, "Meditation teaches you to stay focused on the present, even while turbulent thoughts and emotions swirl through your head. Meditation can alter the areas in the brain that determine day-to-day emotional range,"
While some college students resort to anti-anxiety medications, drinking, or nothing at all to de-stress themselves, meditation and inner-spirituality practices seems to be the healthy trend of choice to engage in.