YouAlberta
With the Fall Term moving along, the days getting shorter (as well as cooler) and many deadlines approaching, the Yoga for Peace of Mind classes, led twice weekly by Dr. Steve Knish, looked very intriguing. I was able to interview him about what these classes are about, the benefits of yoga and what someone can expect if they attend.
Who are you, and what do you do at CCS?
Dr. Steve Knish
I’m a psychologist, clinical supervisor and yoga instructor in my 21st year at CCS. I have run the Yoga for Peace of Mind drop-in class for the last 10 years to provide our students and staff with the opportunity to cultivate or maintain a yoga practice to enhance their mental health and well-being.
Where are these yoga Classes located? Is there any cost to attend?
Dr. Steve Knish
We are lucky to have a wonderful, naturally lit and calm space at the Interfaith Centre, SUB-302. There is no cost for students or staff to attend.
What can someone expect at one of your yoga Classes?
Dr. Steve Knish
Class participants can expect a space where they can come out of their regular routine, get away from the phone and computer for an hour and practice skills that allow them to connect to their body and mind in a unique way, one that promotes choice, curiosity, openness, compassion and non-judgment.
Could you give me some more insight into the benefits of practicing yoga?
Dr. Steve Knish
There’s a large body of research that documents the physical and mental benefits of regular yoga practice. These include improved concentration, reduced stress, increased self-awareness, positive impacts on academic achievement, improved mood, sleep, mindfulness and general sense of well-being. Practice can lead to better posture and body awareness as well as an increase in strength, cardiovascular functioning and improved immunity. Learn more from these sources:
- The effects of yoga on student mental health: a randomised controlled trial
- The Role of Yoga in Enhancing Student Well-being and Academic Performance
- 12 Benefits of Yoga That Are Supported by Science
Do you have any tips or recommendations for first-time attendees?
Dr. Steve Knish
Try to bring a compassionate and non-judgmental attitude to your practice. There is no right or wrong way to practice in this class, but it is more of a chance to connect to your breath and be in your body by finding movements that feel right for you and fit for your level of fitness.
Do you have a tip to help manage mental health as we enter a time of year that can present many stressors?
Dr. Steve Knish
Make sure you get sleep!
During the class, we regularly go through a sequence of poses using a wall that promotes an excellent reset for one’s nervous system. It involves inversions and longer holds to promote restoration. It’s also a great pre-bedtime ritual and is very helpful when it is difficult to get back to sleep. The primary pose in the sequence is legs up the wall. I recommend this pose for students with about 5 to 10 minutes to practice. The pose can be complemented with the use of the Physiological Sigh breathing technique. Learn more from these videos:
- Legs Up the Wall: Relaxation and Mobility for Tight Hips
- Reduce Anxiety & Stress with the Physiological Sigh