Since the practice of yoga includes physical postures (asanas), breathing methods (pranayama), and meditation, all of which improve mental well-being, it has long been renowned for its beneficial effects on mental health. Yoga provides a multifaceted toolkit for managing and improving mental well-being through its combination of physical postures, breathwork, and meditation, and regular practice of Yoga has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing overall emotional resilience and self-awareness. It offers a potent and holistic approach to promoting mental health and well-being.
Why do we celebrate yoga, and what is it?
India is the country where yoga first emerged as a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. The Sanskrit word “yoga,” which means “to join or to unite,” represents the fusion of the physical body and the mental consciousness.
It is currently practised in many different forms all over the world and is becoming more and more popular.
In recognition of its widespread popularity, the United Nations declared 21 June to be the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131 on December 11, 2014. The purpose of the International Day of Yoga is to increase public awareness of the various advantages of yoga practise.
India sponsored the draught resolution designating June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, and a record 175 member states agreed. Yoga is a priceless gift from our ancient culture, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who initially floated the idea in his speech at the start of the 69th session of the General Assembly. Yoga represents the harmony of the mind and body, of thought and deed, and it takes a holistic approach that is beneficial to our health and well-being. Yoga is a way to find your sense of oneness with the world, the natural world, and yourself. It’s not only about exercising.
“The importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and adhering to lifestyle patterns that foster good health” is noted in the resolution. The World Health Organisation has additionally asked its member nations to assist their populations in reducing physical inactivity, which is one of the top ten global causes of mortality and a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
But yoga is more than just a workout. According to the late B. K. S. Iyengar, one of yoga’s most well-known practitioners, “yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”
Yoga’s attentive and contemplative practises serve to clear the mind, increase concentration, and foster a sense of inner tranquilly. By adding yoga into our life, people can create a healthier mind-body connection, discover balance, tranquilly, and enhance their mental health. Yoga also promotes self-care and self-compassion, fostering a positive relationship with oneself.
Yoga can be helpful for mental health, but it should be understood that it cannot take the place of receiving expert mental health care. For personalised advice and support, it is advised to speak with a healthcare provider or mental health specialist.
The CEO of Prayag Hospitals Group, Pritika Singh, stated in an interview with HT Lifestyle that stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns are becoming more prevalent in society today. Many people are looking for holistic solutions to improve their mental health, which may involve adopting an active lifestyle that includes walking and other forms of exercise. But in addition to this, practise yoga also provides a potent remedy. Yoga, which combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, has the potential to significantly improve mental health.
