International Yoga Day 2023

Jenny, who has been practising yoga for 18 years, speaks passionately about the benefits she has seen both to herself and to students and staff:

“Generally, when people start yoga, they notice the physical benefits first. The Western world can sometimes be more focused on the physical improvements than the mental health advantages.

“When I began practising yoga, I noticed that my body was starting to become more flexible. My balance was getting better and my strength was improving. I was becoming a lot stronger.

“I then found that the further into my yoga journey I went, the more I started to appreciate the meditation side, such as the breathing exercises and the relaxation aspect.

“The guided relaxations at the end of yoga become a kind of 'well' for you to recharge. I was noticing that at the end of classes, even if they had been quite physical, I came out feeling really settled, less stressed and ultimately more focussed.

“The students who have attended yoga classes with me for quite a long time are carrying on with yoga post-college. It’s been a great starting point in their yoga journeys.

“There was one girl in particular, who was an international student. She really struggled with being away from home. At the end of her studies, she said that the yoga classes at College had helped her so much with her mental health. This was amazing to hear and really illustrated how powerful practising yoga can be.

“I’m hoping that at the start of the next academic year, those students in particular who are struggling with anxieties, stress and low mood will consider yoga as a great way of helping ease the pressures of daily life.”

General Education student and yoga-goer Sophie Dickson said:

“I took up yoga about two months ago. I was reluctant to try it because I was so nervous, but because I already knew Jenny, it encouraged me to give it a shot.

“I’ve found that not only has it helped my body and made me feel more flexible, it has also helped me to focus my mindset. I see it as an hour of my day to really take the time to relax and focus on myself, especially if I have felt stressed during the day."