Mindful studying
Mindfulness floaty and boring? Certainly not! Mindfulness is about finding balance and being able to deal with unrest and stress before, during or after studying. Focussing and re-charging are key in this article. They're the main ingredients to rock your exam, thesis or internship report!
Full focus in 2 minutes
A simple breathing exercise to fully focus and get the most out of your study session.
Step 1
Set your timer for 2 minutes.
Step 2
Make sure you are comfortable. Place your feet flat on the floor and rest your hands on your knees. Sit up straight and close your eyes.
Step 3
Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 8 seconds and exhale for 8 seconds. Keep your attention on your lower abdomen as you do this. Repeat the exercise until the timer goes off.
A shortcut for ultimate focus
Turn on a 'binaural beats' playlist via Spotify or YouTube and feel the difference.
Desk yoga poses
Ready for a short break to recharge in between studying? Do these easy yoga poses behind your desk and you're ready to go back to studying in no time!
Seated Tadasana
Sit with back straight. Make sure your knees and feet are together. Lift your arms up and stretch. Try to stay and breathe for 3–5 slow counts. Repeat 10 times.
Seated Uttanasana
Sit with your back straight. Bring your abdomen as close to the thigh as possible. Allow your neck to drop down. Hold for 10 seconds and breathing normally. Do it 5 times.
Utkatasana (chair pose)
Inhale and raise your arms perpendicular to the floor. Exhale and bend your knees as if sitting on an imaginary chair while keeping them hips-width apart. Keep your chest forward and arms above your head, in line with the ears. This pose works the muscles of the arms and legs and also stimulates the diaphragm and heart.
Vajrasana (diamond pose)
Sit down with your legs bent at the knee and tucked under your thighs. Your heels should touch your buttocks, and the toes should be kept together. Sit in the Vajrasana for at least 2 minutes.
Seated Backbend
Sit straight and reach your hands a couple inches behind your hips. Push into the chair, and reach your shoulder blades down and back. Send your gaze up. Sit for 3 to 5 breaths.
Sitali breathing
Sit in a chair or on the floor in an easy crossed-legged position with your eyes closed. Inhale through the mouth, letting the air pass over the tongue, feeling a cool breath, and then exhale through your nose.