Stress, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and panic attacks, all things that a college student deals with almost daily. 

Some try to control those anxieties by partying or indulging themselves in fast food. But others take a more healthy approach by working out or meditating. 

Rowan’s campus has two places that offer peace and relaxation, the Rowan Rec Center where yoga classes are scheduled and Glassboro Yoga located on Rowan Boulevard. 

Megan Countey, a RN and BSN and owner of Glassboro Yoga, has been practicing yoga for five years after a car accident that left her with chronic lower back pain. In order to heal properly, Countey had opted out of having back surgery and began her career of practicing yoga. Two months later, she was pain free. 

“Meditation can be used to understand the mind’s patterns and with new awareness, these patterns can be altered,” Countey said. “Giving a new perspective on a situation by calming the mind helps a person respond differently or ‘resiliently’ to stress.”

Along with the practice of yoga, studies on meditation found it can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, phobias, panic attacks and many more. It can help control anxiety from job related stress and school stress. 

A 2013 case study found that meditation can also reverse patterns in the brain that contribute to mind wandering, worrying and poor attention. 

There are numerous different benefits of yoga, not only physically, but mentally as well. Yoga and meditation go hand-in-hand.

Hatha yoga, is a form of yoga that enhances the ability to meditate. It focuses on pranayamas, a breath-controlled exercise followed by asanas, yoga postures, and ending with savasana, a resting period. 

“[Pranayamas is] slower breathing helps slow the nervous system,” Countey said. “Learning full deep breathing by moving the diaphragm, intercostal muscles and clavicle areas of the lungs helps physically and mentally.”

For beginners, yoga and meditation may seem daunting, but start out small. County said that to begin a spiritual journey, the first step is to relax, quiet the mind. 

“Be easy on yourself. Deep breathing can be practiced throughout the day, while in class or at a meeting,” Countey said. “Even in your car, try driving in silence or to some soothing music.” 

When asked on Twitter what others do to practice meditating and or yoga, John Quinn from Mullica Hill responded. 

“I meditate at the Rec Center every day for 5 minutes during my daily workouts. Put a towel over my head, [stretch] out and drift away,” Quinn said. “One time, I fell asleep and started snoring. The process clearly [is] my mind and is like dessert after the workout meal.”

Meditation can be practiced at any time of day, but most commonly first thing in the morning or right before bed. But for college students who are constantly learning and studying, it is best done before studying because it calms the mind to have better plasticity. 

Instead of dealing with stress and anxiety in harmful ways, focus instead to challenging the mind through mediation. 

“Glassboro Yoga’s mission is to empower individuals to defy limitations and reach their full potential through offering various wellness options to the community in one convenient location,” Countey said. “Glassboro Yoga also offers Intro to Meditation Seminars: Art of breathing. Next seminar is Mar. 2, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (accept Boro Bucks) Student uses promo code “student” for discounts on all workshops.” 

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