What do painting and yoga have in common? They are two practices that can help relieve stress. 

According to the American Institute of Stress, eight in 10 college students have frequent periods where they experience stress. When one is stressed for an extended period of time, it can cause digestive problems, headaches, sleep problems, weight gain and even issues with memory and concentration. 

On March 20, the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center hosted a Paint and Pose workshop, aiming to give students a space to relax. 

“It is really just an opportunity for people to have fun and unwind a little bit and to try something new,” said Elizabeth Michel, the assistant director of Fitness and Wellness. 

As they entered the studio, students were greeted with fun music and warm smiles from Michel. Soon enough, swirls of color covered yoga mats as students allowed their creativity to flow from their brains to their paintbrushes as they painted colorful designs on their yoga mats. 

“You can kind of get your mind off of your studies and stuff and all of your other stressors,” Michel said. “That is our whole intention behind the event.”

According to a Drexel University Study, creating art can help reduce stress-related hormones in the body. The study found that stress levels can lower after 45 minutes of participating in artistic activities. 

The room was soon filled with chatter as students relaxed while they worked on their yoga mats. Bevelyn Egleh, a graduate student, said this workshop was a much-needed study break. 

“I realized I didn’t really have anywhere to go after I do my schoolwork and I’m an international student from Ghana,” she said. “So, I decided to incorporate activities with fitness and wellness, just to have fun.” 

After an hour had passed, students placed the finishing touches on their designs. By the end, yoga mats were decorated with stars, flowers, swirls and inspirational quotes. 

Students moved their mats to the sides of the classroom and followed Tasha Kelker, a certified yoga instructor, into the studio’s closet to grab yoga mats, yoga blocks and yoga stretching straps for their yoga flow. 

“Yoga is really good for your mental health, your physical health and it’s a really great way to connect with not only yourself but also other people as well,” Kelker said. “It is a great way to just take care of yourself.” 

According to the National Institutes of Health, yoga can help relieve stress, improve sleep, manage anxiety symptoms and improve balance. 

Once students and Kelker got settled with their mats and other supplies, the lights were dimmed and Kelker led students in a yoga flow. 

As the yoga flow came to an end, Kelker led students to show gratitude for themselves and their bodies through words of affirmation. 

“I just really enjoy yoga, but I also enjoy being creative and using my hands, and this workshop is another great way to be mindful,” Kelker said. “We’re bringing these two things together, so you’re getting the physical benefits, but also the mental benefits of it.”

Tanner Poe is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].