When your job involves being nationally televised and being the “best” at what you do, it might get a little stressful. Although they seemed to get shunned by some people for the money which they make, professional athletes’ jobs entail a great amount of stress. What is and up-and-coming popular method which many athletes seem to be turning to for stress relief? Yoga.

Natalie Nevins, a board-certified osteopathic family physician and yoga instructor, speaks of yoga in an article written for the American Osteopathic Association. Nevins says, “Yoga is a healing system of theory and practice. The purpose of yoga is to create strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body.”

It is apparent that the overall goal of yoga is in essence to relax and become forgetful of all of the things that seem to be causing chaos and bringing stress to your life. In the yoga workshop held on Diversity Day by Ms. Mantegna and Persis Ticknor-Swanson, these objectives were definitely implemented.

Curt McLeod, a junior at Williston, says of his experience at the workshop, “As soon as we began as much as speaking about the goals of yoga, I instantly got lost in the class and forgot about the things that consume me in the outside world.” He continues, “My mind felt relaxed the whole time and I was in an environment that allowed me to relax and feel at peace with myself.”

Professional athletes are using the same methods of yoga and are receiving benefits that are sometimes career saving.

Joe Johnson, a six-time all-star in the NBA practices a specific type of yoga, known as Bikram yoga. In an article written for The Huffington Post by Jordan Schultz we learn that Johnson does this yoga four hours prior to having a game as well on off-days. Johnson tells Schultz, “It loosens me up, actually. If we have to be at the gym at 5:30, I’ll go about 3 and I get out at 4:30. I go straight to the arena. I’ll already be loose and ready to go. It’s very relaxing.”

Being an all-star as one of the best players in the NBA, as well as one of the best players on his team, Johnson is faced with a lot of stress and this yoga really aids him. “I found myself meditating and really relaxing and clearing my thoughts.”

In a separate interview conducted by Shultz for The Huffington Post, NFL superstar Steven Jackson says, “It keeps the limbs limber. I feel good when I stretch, especially after traveling so much.” Not only is yoga a form of meditation and relaxation but it is also a physical booster as far as flexibility goes.

Ken Katich, referred to as “yoga guru of the NBA,” tells The Huffington Post that “Initially, the athletes approached it from the view of improving their bodies, which makes sense.” He continues, “But more and more lately, they’re embracing the mental aspect of it: concentration, discipline, focus, calmness, breath awareness, meditation, clarity.”

It seems to be a recurring theme with these athletes and specialists that although yoga can benefit athletes and people with physical fitness, a bigger benefit they are noticing is the mental aspect.

When asked about her thoughts on Williston’s yoga workshop, junior Maddy Jerolman comments on its mental aspects. “It was definitely a good and challenging workout but I think the conversation in the beginning was what really caught my attention she continues, “I found my self-intrigued with what people had to say regarding their stress and it made me realize how much I hold onto stress-wise and how yoga can really help. My favorite part was the end where we lay down with our eyes close, I think that gave me the full effect.”

Yoga is an activity which is definitely coming into its own as far as professional sports go and its growing popularity will continue to positively affect athletes and people everywhere.