International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21st, having been established by the United Nations in 2014 to recognize the universal benefits of yoga. This day promotes global awareness of yoga’s holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Originating in ancient India, yoga encompasses practices that enhance flexibility, strength, and inner peace. International Yoga Day encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to practice yoga, highlighting its role in fostering harmony and balance in life. Events and workshops are held worldwide, uniting individuals in the shared pursuit of health and tranquility through yoga.
This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a pivotal figure in promoting yoga globally since 2015, will lead the celebrations from Srinagar.
“Yoga For Self And Society”
is the theme dedicated by the Ministry of Ayush for the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2024). This theme emphasizes the benefits of yoga for individual development and societal well-being.
In today’s world, yoga for the new generation is not just a physical and mental activity but also a tool to help de-stress. Modern life is filled with stress, excessive work habits, and overuse of gadgets, leading to physical and mental problems. Yoga offers a way to break this pattern and embrace a healthier lifestyle, benefiting physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life.
Dietary Guidelines for Yoga
A few dietary guidelines can ensure that the body and mind are flexible and well-prepared for yoga practice. A vegetarian diet is usually recommended, and for individuals over 30, two meals a day should suffice, except in cases of illness or high physical activity.
How Yoga Can Help
Yoga is essentially a path to liberation from all bondage. Medical research in recent years has uncovered many physical and mental benefits, corroborating the experiences of millions of practitioners. Some benefits include:
- Improved physical fitness, musculoskeletal functioning, and cardiovascular health.
- Management of diabetes, respiratory disorders, hypertension, hypotension, and many lifestyle-related disorders.
- Reduction in depression, fatigue, anxiety disorders, and stress.
- Regulation of menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
- Creation of a healthy body and stable mind, which are prerequisites for an exuberant and fulfilling life.
Yoga is not only a physical exercise but also helps you become proficient in all aspects — physical, mental, and spiritual. Asanas and pranayama build physical and mental health, while meditation leads to spiritual growth. Shat Kriyas (six types of cleansing) cleanse the inner body. Yama teaches harmony within society, and Niyama cultivates self-discipline and self-care.
By exploring and practicing all aspects of yoga, individuals can potentially contribute to global positive change.
Common Yoga Protocol by the Ministry of Ayush Before practicing yoga, the following should be observed:
- Śauca: Cleanliness is an important prerequisite for yoga practice, including cleanliness of surroundings, body, and mind.
- Perform yoga in a calm and quiet atmosphere with a relaxed body and mind.
- Practice yoga on an empty or light stomach. Consume a small amount of honey in lukewarm water if feeling weak.
- Ensure bladder and bowels are empty before starting yoga.
- Use a mattress, yoga mat, durrie, or folded blanket for practice.
- Wear light and comfortable cotton clothes to facilitate easy movement.
- Avoid practicing yoga in a state of exhaustion, illness, hurry, or acute stress.
- Consult a physician or yoga expert if you have chronic disease, pain, or cardiac problems before performing yoga.
- Consult yoga experts before engaging in yoga practices during pregnancy and menstruation.
