Finals Freakout? Here’s How 5 Minutes of Yoga Can Help
- Katie Gillmeister
- May 1
- 2 min read
😵💫 Finals Stress?
How 5 Minutes of Yoga Can Help.
If finals week has your brain spinning, your body aching, and your patience hanging by a thread—you’re not alone. The pressure is real. But before you reach for your third coffee or doom-scroll your stress away, try something surprisingly effective (and free): yoga.
Even just five minutes can help you feel calmer, more focused, and ready to take on your day.
🧠 Why Yoga Works (According to Science)
Yoga isn’t just stretching—it’s a total brain reset. Studies show that yoga:
Lowers cortisol, the stress hormone that spikes during exams
Boosts GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that helps your nervous system chill out
🧪 A 2010 study by Streeter et al. found yoga significantly increased GABA levels and reduced anxiety in participants—even after just one session.
🧘♀️ How to Actually Fit Yoga Into Your Life
Let’s keep it simple. No studio, no gear, no hour-long commitment needed. Here are two easy ways to start:
☀️ 5-Minute Morning Sun Salutations
Start your day with a quick energy boost and brain clarity.
Flow through:
Mountain Pose
Forward Fold
Plank → Cobra → Downward Dog
Step forward & rise to stand
Repeat 2–3 times with deep, steady breaths. It’s like coffee—but calmer.
😴 Before Bed, throw your Legs-Up-the-Wall + Breathe Deep
Perfect for winding down or taking a quick study break.
How to do it:
Lay on your back near a wall
Extend your legs vertically up the wall
Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6
Hold for 3–5 minutes. You’ll feel your whole system relax.
📌 Real Talk: You Don’t Need to Be “Good” at Yoga
No tests. No grades. No flexibility required. Just a few quiet moments for your mind and body to catch up.
The goal? Consistency—not perfection.
🌬️One Breath at a Time—You’ve Got This.
Finals week doesn’t have to mean burnout. Take five, breathe deep, and let yoga work its quiet magic.
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