Held every year on 21st June, International Yoga Day 2024 is just around the corner. This will be the 10th edition and the theme for 2024 is “Yoga for Self and Society”.
This year, like last, is expected to be very different from previous years, when large groups of people gathered locally to practise yoga together. Given the current global pandemic situation, International Yoga Day 2024 encourages everyone to stay at home and practise yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated.
Yoga is more than just physical exercise. It is a holistic approach to healing and well-being; it is a way of life. The foundation stones of yoga are self-realisation, focus, relaxation and harmony.
With its beginnings in ancient India around 5000 thousand years ago, the healing technique of yoga is as much in vogue across the globe as it is in India. Practising yoga is more than exercising your physical body. It helps you discover your true identity and sense of self, but it is not to be confused with religion. It is simply a way of living that leads to a healthy mind in a healthy body.
The Bhagavad Gita says, “A person is said to have achieved yoga, the union with the Self, when the perfectly disciplined mind gets freedom from all desires, and becomes absorbed in the Self alone.”
Make it a habit to start your day with Surya Namaskar poses or take some time out of your busy schedule to meditate or do some breathing exercises such as Pranayama. Regular practice of yoga will discipline your mind and body and make it strong from within.
Finally, let's talk about the many noteworthy benefits of yoga that are instrumental in healing the Mind, Body and Soul.
The good thing about yoga is that there’s one style for everyone, as there are over a hundred styles. In addition, yoga is inclusive and people of all age groups, religions, nationalities and social backgrounds can practise and celebrate yoga. It’s possible for anyone to start, regardless of their fitness levels, because every yoga pose allows for modifications, and every style has a beginner lesson. So, why not make the most of this ancient practice for a better and healthy life. Here are some of the most amazing benefits of doing Yoga.
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Yoga helps you manage stress. Life can be stressful sometimes, and it can take its toll on our physical and mental well-being. Doing yoga regularly helps achieve mental clarity, calmness and relieves signs of chronic stress.
Yoga helps you get a good night’s sleep. Practicing relaxation asanas (postures) such as Uttanasana (forward fold or forward bend pose), Viparita Karani (lying on your back with legs up the wall) can be a great way to relax just before bedtime. These asanas calm your body and, most importantly, your mind.
Yoga helps prevent chronic back pain. It will help to strengthen your body and stabilize your spine because practice improves flexibility and muscle strength.
Yoga helps maintain a healthy heart. Yoga is known to increase blood flow and bring oxygen to the blood vessels, which is beneficial in preventing heart failure. Yoga combines all three factors -- physical activity, breath regulation and meditation, all of which are crucial in preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Yoga helps increase confidence. Practicing yoga gives you a better awareness of your body that aids in the mind-body connection. Yoga teaches you to accept your body the way it is without any judgment. Gradually, this will lead you to feel comfortable in your body, boosting your self-confidence.
On a spiritual level, yoga brings you a sense of calmness and inner peace.
Yoga rids you of negativity and makes you feel empowered. Practicing yoga makes you aware of the reality of your life, be it your job, relationship or health. And by accepting the truth, change comes from within, leading to inner healing and positivity.
Practising yoga will leave you feeling rejuvenated and energized. Yoga, naturally and surely, does bless every aspirant with the powers to control the body and mind.
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