By: Ashley Widner ’16

After a long hard day don’t you wish you could just close your eyes for 10 minutes and once you opened them you would feel all better?

Believe it or not, that is possible. Yoga and meditation and other relaxation techniques are on an upward trend, and may change your entire outlook on life.

Benefits of meditation are both immediate and long term. Meditation reduces your stress levels, increases your inner awareness and actually increases your health according to WebMD.

“Most people wouldn’t think to meditate but I have noticed it puts me in a better mood and releases a lot of good vibes,” said Jarrett Comai ’16.

Psychology research has proven meditation clears your mind which improves your concentration. Some people meditate for just 10 minutes before school or work to prepare them for the day.

“There’s a movement to bring mindfulness meditation in schools since it helps reduce stress and regulate people’s emotions,” said Health teacher Pat Latus.

“Meditation is the best way to naturally free your mind,” said Carter Leslie ’15.

Yoga is also a great technique people can use to relax and boost their mood.  It is also a great exercise. Yoga increases flexibility, builds muscle strength, and betters bone health.

“Yoga really relaxes you and it has definitely affected me in a positive way,” said Helena O’Hare ’17.

“Yoga has helped keep me flexible and with chronic back issues. The doctor even noticed a difference in my flexibility,” said Latus.

Another trend that is getting more popular by the day is crystals. There are many different kinds of crystals that are used for different and specific purposes. The crystals are said to put off different energies and put out good vibes.

The crystals are supposed to be put on your body’s chakras. There are seven chakras that come from a Indian background and are thought to be the centers of spiritual power in the human body according to mysticfamiliar.com.

“Crystals radiate positive energy and the energy can boost how we feel both physically and emotionally,” said Taylor Stansbury ’16.

Some examples of chakras are the crown chakra; it is located on the very top of your head and represents the ability to fully connect to yourself spiritually. The root chakra is located near the end of the spine and represents the feeling of being grounded.