One hour of yoga practice each week may sound simple. However, for many students, lecturers, and support staff at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), this routine has become a way to recharge, stay fit, and find peace amid the hustle and bustle of campus life.
The FEB UGM Yoga Community serves as a space for the academic community to briefly unwind while adopting a healthier lifestyle. The community was established in early 2017, stemming from a desire amongst FEB UGM’s professional staff to exercise together after a full day of working at their computers. Bomantoro, a member of the Admissions, Partnerships, and Alumni team at FEB UGM, initiated this community.
Bomantoro said that the academic community has very well received the FEB UGM Yoga Community. This enthusiasm is evident in the high turnout at each session, held regularly every Thursday. The yoga classes are almost always filled with students, lecturers, and support staff who wish to stay fit whilst unwinding after their daily activities.
“Many have felt the benefits. After yoga, the body feels fresher and better prepared to resume activities,” he said.
For Jenny, a student in the Accounting Program from the 2022 intake, joining the yoga community has been an enjoyable experience. At first, she often felt stiff and tired easily. When she found out about the yoga community at the Faculty of Economics and Business at UGM, she decided to give it a try.
After attending sessions regularly for the past four months, Jenny has noticed a change in her physical condition. As well as being a fitter, her sleep quality has also improved.
“It turns out the community is really fun and supportive. After yoga, my body feels lighter, and I sleep more soundly,” she said.
Although she still faces challenges with certain poses, such as arm balances, this has not dampened her enthusiasm to keep learning. One of her favorite poses is the King Pigeon Pose, which gives her a stretching sensation she enjoys.
Desi Suprapti, a professional staff member in the General Affairs Department at FEB UGM, shares this same enthusiasm. Since she first started working at FEB UGM, she has made yoga part of her daily routine. In her view, yoga is not merely a physical activity, but also a means of calming the mind.
“Yoga makes me feel healthier, not just physically, but mentally as well,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gunawan, B.Sc., M.Sc., Dipl.Stat.Ec., Ph.D., a lecturer in the Department of Economics, believes that yoga can be a simple solution to relieve the tension caused by academic activities, most of which are carried out whilst sitting.
According to her, yoga helps to stretch the muscles while practicing mindfulness. During a session, attention is focused on the breath and bodily movements, allowing participants to take a brief break from the pressures of work and study.
“Much of my work involves sitting down to read and prepare materials. Yoga helps my body to relax,” she explained.
More than just a form of exercise, the FEB UGM Yoga Community has evolved into a space that strengthens bonds amongst the academic community. In the shared practice space, a culture has developed of encouraging one another, sharing experiences, and collectively embracing a healthier lifestyle.
The full ‘Sisi Lain Kampus’ video, entitled ‘FEB Yoga Community’, can be viewed at:http://ugm.id/KomunitasYogaFEBUGM
Reportage by: Najwa Anggi Namira
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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