International Yoga Day 2023: Prioritize your physical and mental fitness today
3 min read 20 Jun 2023, 01:13 PM ISTInternational Day of Yoga is celebrated on June 21 to promote physical and mental health. Yoga and meditation improve flexibility, strength, balance, endurance and emotional balance.
PremiumYoga has become one of the most effective ways of improving both physical and mental health. It supports stress management, mindfulness, mental health, healthy eating habits, weight loss, and good sleep. In short, it helps in enhancing the overall lifestyle.
Every year, International Day of Yoga is celebrated on June 21 since Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed to observe the day during his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014. The UNGA, on 11 December 2014, proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga.
It has gained global popularity over time and combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation which not only helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression but also improves flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the International Yoga Day session at the UN headquarters in New York tomorrow, June 21.
Speaking to Livemint, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Institutions said that Yoga and meditation are interwoven, hence, it is challenging to take care of the mind without also taking care of the body and expecting to remain healthy
“By pausing and engaging in yoga and meditation, which promotes emotional balance and nervous system control, you may respond to situations from a more balanced standpoint," Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar stated.
He also suggested techniques like Super Power Meditation, Arambh Dhyan or Bheej Dhyan, Prakat Jyothi Dhyan, Tratak Dhyan, which employs a flame for observation, etc. to attain a certain transcendental state of mind and being.
Apart from mediation practice, the Akshar Yoga founder also recommended practicing yoga asanas like Sarvangasana, Halasana, Sirsasana, and even Surya Namaskar which are beginner-friendly and have countless benefits.
Prakriti Poddar, Global Head, Mental Health & Well-being, RoundGlass Living app believes that yoga and meditation can help manage pain by changing our perception of it.
“Chronic pain and stress form a downward cycle. When we experience pain, it causes fear and stress, which can further intensify the pain. Yoga and meditation help break this loop by changing our emotional reaction to pain, so it actually hurts less," she told Livemint.
She further added, "Practicing yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which switches on the body’s relaxation response, taking you out of stressful “fight or flight" mode.
Poddar also stated that yoga and meditation can be excellent self-care tools as they address the whole YOU — mind, body, and spirit. “They also cultivate self-compassion and teach you to respect and love your body."
Even as people from around the globe have of late been adopting these ancient Indian practices in their everyday life, some still misconstrue it as a mode of recreation in which one can indulge sporadically, said Manisha Sharma, a Yoga Practitioner, Sitarist, and Communications Professional.
She believes there is no substitute for delving into yoga and meditation like spiritual practices that can enthuse life-long positive impact.
“It is imperative to note that the true boons of Yoga and Meditation can be obtained only when these practices are imbibed as an intrinsic part of one's daily regimen or routine," she added.
Dr. Rajeev Rajesh, Chief Yoga Officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute said, “Yoga transforms into our sanctuary, a special place where we can connect with our body and mind through its graceful postures and rhythmic breathing. We unlock energy flow through purposeful stretching and movements, nourishing our physical selves and reviving our spirits."
“Making yoga and meditation a part of our daily routines gives us a tremendous sense of resilience and power. We promote a harmonious integration of the body, mind, and soul that transcends time and space. We set out on a transformative path to self-discovery and utmost wellbeing during this sacred journey," Dr. Rajesh said.