Students relieve stress at yoga lesson as part of Asian Pacific Heritage Month

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Participants in the Minority Student Services Center’s Asian Pacific Heritage Month began their night with a stretch and ended it with a “namaste.”

About 70 people gathered Thursday in the Student Activity Center’s NIRSA and Alumni conference rooms for a free yoga lesson.

“Asian Pacific Heritage Month is for celebrating and sharing different backgrounds of growing up,” said Keisha Janney, assistant director of Minority Student Services.

Although Asian Pacific Heritage Month is nationally celebrated in May, it is recognized on campus from March 15 to April 15 to figure more prominently in the academic year.

MSS added a night of relaxation to the inspirational speakers, events and food tasters this year.

“Since yoga traditions date back to the Asian heritage, we included yoga,” said Michael McArthur, a Lansing graduate assistant for MSS. “With the second semester coming to an end and students having exams, it is a good way for people to relax and relieve stress.”

The lesson’s instructor, Auburn senior Katy Foco, said the practice also imparts many other health benefits.

“Over time it can help people sleep better, increase strength, increase flexibility and even lower the amount of pain medication someone may need,” Foco said. “Who or what can’t benefit from yoga? The benefits are astounding.”

She said the positive impacts of yoga are especially favorable and just as important as exercise for stressed-out college students.

Jasmine Valentine came to support Asian Pacific Heritage Month as social activities coordinator for the Organization for Black Unity.

“I think yoga takes you out of the normal school environment and it’s an hour to take time out of the day and not stress out,” the Northville freshman said.

Valentine participated with her organization as part of its “fun day” activities at the SAC.

“I think it’s great for students to experience something a little different,” Janney said. “Rather than just listening to speakers we bring in, students can fully engage and participate.”

Asian Pacific Heritage Month will continue March 31 with a free cook-off and food taster event in the Bovee University Center Rotunda.

For a full calendar of events, visit diversity.cmich.edu/mss.