As the semester tears on with endless homework, studying and rigorous all-nighters, it’s important to keep yourself centered and stress free. However, finding time to exercise and calm yourself is not typically on a college student’s to-do list. If you’re pressed for time and want a quick burst of rejuvenating energy right in the comfort of your own dorm room, then embrace your inner chi and get moving with some simple yoga and strengthening routines.

 

Diaphragmatic Breathing

The most effective way to get air circulating through your body – not to mention instantly calm yourself – is to use diaphragmatic breathing.

-Close your eyes and lie down on your back relaxing your arms down to your sides

-Breathe in through your nose while inflating your stomach (you should be able to see your stomach rising and falling if you open your eyes)

-On your exhale, only breathe out through your mouth and let your stomach sink down. Imagine your bellybutton sinking all the way to your spine.

-Repeat this in intervals of thirty and you will feel significantly more relaxed and may even fall asleep

Child’s Pose

Child’s Pose is a great way to stretch out fatigue in your body and really focus on your breathing and center.

-Kneel onto your knees and bow your head down

-Extend your arms all the way out in front of you as far as they can reach and touch your nose to the floor

-For added relaxation in this stretch practice a few diaphragmatic breaths

Reverse Crunches

This exercise is dorm friendly and tackles those tricky soft-belly spots many people want to get rid of!

-Lay down on your back with your legs straight above your head

-Place your arms either at your side or beneath the small of your back and lift up form your butt, tightening your lower abs and squeezing your stomach to your spine

-Repeat this for about 50 repetitions, or for the length of your favorite four-minute song

Scissor Jumps

Not a big fan of the gym? Scissor jumps are a great way to get your cardio on while toning your legs in the comfort of your own dorm.

-Start with your right leg in front of your left leg separated by about two steps

-Jump up in the air and switch your legs then land with your left leg in front in a deep lunge

-In your jump, raise your arms up straight above your head so they touch your ears

-For best results, repeat this motion ten times on each side with five-second water breaks in between

Walking Planks

A toughie but goodie, walking planks will get your heart rate up to burn calories while also giving your abs a crazy workout.

-Begin in a standard plank with your elbows on the ground, butt down, stomach in, and weight supported on the balls of your feet

-Press up one arm at a time into a “standing” plank, with the palms of your hands on the floor

-Repeat this motion one arm at a time for as many reps as you can with five second breaks in between