The world celebrates International Yoga Day every year on June 21 to aware people about its rich benefits on physical and mental health. Yoga is a traditional exercise regimen that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The technique first originated in India where the Sanskrit word for “yoga” basically means “to join” or “to unite.” Additionally, it promotes body-mind harmony in representation.
Following India’s initial proposal, a record 175 member states endorsed the draft resolution designating International Yoga Day. This proposal was presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech to kick off the 69th session of the General Assembly. “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition,” he said. It represents the oneness of thought and deed, body and mind. A holistic approach that is valuable to our health and well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature.”
Women Empowerment and Yoga, How Do They Sync?
The theme of International Yoga Day 2024 is exclusively based on women’s empowerment. Women and yoga are a good combination because of their similar energy levels. With self-awareness comes control over one’s body, which is something yoga helps women achieve. By adding up, they transcend cultural constraints and preconceptions. It also inspires people to express themselves uniquely by showcasing their inner strength.
Due to the health problems faced by women, like PCOS/PCOD, it is important to note that these painful situations can be resolved by Yoga. Regardless of age or circumstances, Yoga serves to benefit women with problems that can hinder their peace of mind.
So, International Yoga Day 2024 is based upon the empowerment that can be provided to women and engaging in a qualitative lifestyle.
Mental Recharging And Slowing Aging With Yoga
Doing Yoga can immensely increase mental health as it provides a serene environment for the mind to rest. We often keep engaging ourselves in various thought processes and as a result, we are subjected to feeling overwhelmed. Taking breathing exercises can relax the tension and ease the muscles.
Breathing exercises also help regulate the oxygen flow to the brain. This in turn helps the mind to be refreshed and rejuvenated at the end of the session.
As a form of low-impact exercise, Yoga has been shown to lower stress hormones in our bodies while simultaneously increasing beneficial brain chemicals like endorphins and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). As a result, these result in a feel-good emotion over time.
Moreover, Yoga’s effects are also believed to contribute to slowing the natural aging process by reducing brain shrinkage in areas responsible for processing information and storing memories.
Researchers compared brain imaging and chemical measurements in people who practiced Yoga for 45 minutes with those who engaged in sedentary relaxation activities like listening to music or reading. Doctors, the levels of beneficial brain chemicals are higher in those who practice Yoga.
What Yoga Does To Your Body
The benefits of Yoga are numerous. It helps people reduce anxiety. Moreover, it engulfs in a peaceful aura and calms the mind.
Furthermore, engaging in Yoga enhances joint and muscle flexibility, reduces rigidity, and promotes balanced blood flow. It also strengthens muscles, improves kinetic movement, reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances balance and stability.
In addition, Yoga also boosts cardiovascular health, relieves joint and muscle tension, and improves posture. Long-term benefits include reduced back pain, stress, anxiety, and fatigue while increasing spiritual, energy, and overall well-being.
Yoga goes beyond physical exercise, acting as a cornerstone for mental health by harmonizing the mind, body, and spirit. It offers a sanctuary for navigating the complexities of modern life. This article explores Yoga’s profound impact on mental well-being, highlighting poses and practices that strengthen the mind-body connection.
Yoga enables and enhances our pathway of self-discovery and acceptance while fostering habits of insightfulness and coming to terms with our bodies.
Recognizing our worth and embracing our imperfections pave the way for healing and self-acceptance.
Nowadays, Yoga studios are also a center to provide philosophical thoughts and engaging experiences rather than Yoga alone. They foster life skills in the minds of the listeners and students. They now continue to inspire students by enhancing their knowledge and wisdom with their experience.
How To Engage Yourself This International Yoga Day
Yoga is controlling the movements, breathing activity, and blood flow in the body. By doing so, it helps us achieve the essential components a body needs.
Like anything else that is prevalent in a hobby, taking it slow is the key. It could be hard to control the body and achieve the desired results easily. However, exercises like Yoga take a lot of time to show results and that’s okay. It’s quite understandable as it stimulates a lot of nerve regions in the body and affects it simultaneously and slowly.
Understandably, one might feel frustrated after quite some time, but it’s important to stay patient. Yoga courses and classes related to it can also be helpful regarding this matter. The benefits of Yoga are plenty, but one must know the key aspects to focus on to achieve the full results.
What Are Yoga Courses And How Do They Happen?
Yoga courses are taken by trained professionals who conduct Yoga classes. While practicing through online engagement can be an option, there are so many benefits from Yoga courses.
Yoga courses cover topics such as the history and philosophy of Yoga, yogic scriptures and texts, anatomy and physiology etcetera.
In light of International Yoga Day, many communities and educational centers conduct Yoga courses.
These play a crucial role in integrating a sense of community and human connection. It also counters the isolating effects of today’s technology. It is noteworthy to mention that in this modern outgrowth-face contact is crucial to bringing growth and optimism.
Usually, in prominent communities such as Buddhism or the sangas, the building of community and fostering growth is very important. Thus, Yoga classes serve a similar function for yogis. These studios offer opportunities for spiritual connection and learning. They support these sessions through classes, workshops, retreats, and training courses.
Can Yoga Be Taught Online?
Online Yoga classes are now trending as multiple apps arrive around AI. Multiple apps are centered around online Yoga classes that help us learn Yoga in the comfort of our homes.
Several trackers monitor the progress of everyday exercises and provide a report on your well-being. They prove to be highly useful for people who cannot commute for a longer distance.
Yoga is so much more than a physical exercise. It is a holistic practice that integrates body, mind, and spirit and its benefits extend far beyond the yoga mat. As more people turn to yoga to find balance and inner peace amidst the pressures of modern life, the practice of centuries continues to resonate and inspire us.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, embracing yoga can lead to a transformative journey toward a healthier, more mindful, and fulfilled life.
