Stress levels for young adults (18-33) in America have increased since 2011 according to a 2012 survey. Over 2,000 U.S. adults age 18 and up participated in the annual survey conducted online by Harris Interactive American Psychological Association in August 2012. While the 2012 overall average for Americans as a whole was a 4.9 stress level, the millennial generation (18-33) was a 5.4 on a scale to 1-10.
Factors such as school, work, money, relationships and family issues play into the stress that impact the Millennial generation. Sometimes it becomes stressful to juggle different aspects of life and find it difficult to have balance.
“I get stress when finals come up because it becomes so overwhelming,” said Quest Washington second-year student at TJC, “when I become stressed it gets me down and feels as though things aren’t going to work out.”
According to Harris Interactive American Psychological Association many young adults cope with stress by eating, listening to music, playing video games and spending time with friends. Another tactic to reduce stress is by practicing yoga.
“I wanted something to do and to find some peace, inner peace, it’s been a lot of fun,” said Carol Young, a current Yoga student TJC.
“It seems like we are always running all the time because we always stay busy. So it’s nice to have some down time and relaxation,” said Daryl Pritchard, a yoga student at TJC. “Even though we workout I don’t think we stretch enough and we both admitted to that so the stretching part is very beneficial to us.”
Tyler Junior College School of Continuing Studies offers a yoga class on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Ornelas Health and Physical Education Center. The class is instructed by Ryann Martin, a 200-hour registered yoga teacher in Tyler. Other than teaching at TJC, Martin also teaches at Tyler Senior Center and Wood Creek Athletic Club, along with doing private sessions. She believes that yoga is an exercise that can benefit those of all ages.
“The only way to help your mind focus in school is devoting some time to yourself with some positive activity. Exercise releases endorphins, which is a happy chemical in the brain,” said Martin.
“Yoga helps with consideration, and makes stress much easier to manage, not to mention it get the kinks out of your body from siting all afternoon.”
The second session for the spring semester started on March 19 and several of the students from the first session will continue to attended the class.
“I wish it was more than one day a week,” said Cindy Hooser, a yoga student at TJC.
To find out more about the Yoga class offered visit the Tyler Junior College School of Continuing Studies website.
Students can register online or call 903-510-2900 to register over the phone.
