International Yoga Day is commemorated annually on June 21, all across the globe to spread awareness among the populace about the importance of Yoga, an ancient time-less practice of exercise for uplifting the physical, mental and spiritual health. The International yoga day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, after the Indian government proposed to dedicate June 21, as it is the summer solstice and the longest day with maximum sunshine in the Northern hemisphere and also connotes significant, cultural aspects in many countries throughout the world.
And since then, after receiving support from 177 nations, the highest number of co-sponsors for any UN resolution, June 21 was officially proclaimed as International Yoga Day to highlight the numerous health benefits of Yoga on overall health.
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This year, the theme for International Yoga Day is “Yoga at home and Yoga with Family.” Amidst the restrictive lockdown in some parts of the country just like last year owing to the second wave of the highly contagious Covid-19, it is impossible for people to go outdoor or to the gyms for exercise or yoga even if the lockdown is getting softer in some parts of the world. Even though the vaccination drive may have started, yet maintaining social distancing and having a strong immune system still plays a significant role in keeping the virus at bay. In the current situation of uncertainty, with all this anticipatory stress, anxiety, along with loneliness, more and more people are getting diagnosed with some health condition or the other. Be it the vicious cycle of insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, hair and skin woes or deterioration of mental health, the quality of lifestyle is thoroughly affected. So, on this International Day Of Yoga, let's focus on telling people to stay motivated at home and adopt a healthy lifestyle by doing yogasanas that will not only increase your perseverance and help build confidence but also calm the mind, improve mood and gradually build immunity.
Also Read: Immunity Booster: These Yoga Postures Ensure Both Your Mental and Physical Wellbeing
So, grab a yoga mat and perform these superb yoga poses for boosting overall health and mind.
Incredible Yoga Postures For Health And Happiness
Sukhasana (Cross-legged Sitting Pose)
Sit in a normal meditation pose. Hold your left wrist with your right hand behind the back. Chanta the mantra ‘Om’, while continuing to inhale and pulling your shoulders back and expanding your chest. While bending forward, exhale and try to touch your right forehead to your right knee. Inhale and return to the starting position. Repeat the steps and continue on the other side by touching your forehead to your left knee.
Benefits:
Sukhasana is pivotal in most health anomalies. It vitalizes the blood flow to the lungs and also washes out the harmful toxins from the body. This asana not only increases your focus and concentration but also helps treat respiratory disorders. Practicing it regularly also reduces stress and anxiety.
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)
Kneel down with your feet close to each other. Sit on your heels with a straight back and neck. Keep your hands in a relaxed position on your thighs while keeping your palms down. Now look forward, keeping your head straight. Sit in that position for at least 30 seconds and take long deep breaths. Relax and repeat 5 times.
Benefits:
An extremely easy pose, vajrasana is the only posture that can be performed right after lunch as it helps in the digestion of food and keeping gastrointestinal anomalies at bay. Additionally, it is also beneficial for curing high blood pressure, heart diseases, pain in the knees, legs and calves and also preventing premature greying of hair and boosting hair growth.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing dog pose)
Come on all fours with your knees hip-width apart and your hands shoulder-width apart. Now, slowly lift your hips off the floor and straighten your elbows and knees. Ensure that your body forms an inverted ‘V’. Now, press your hands into the ground and stretch your neck such that your ears should touch your inner arms, and you should turn your gaze towards your navel. Hold this position for five-eight breathes and then return to the original position.
Benefits:
The downward-facing dog-pose is one of the most effective yogasanas for stretching the neck, strengthening the spine and toning the abdominal muscles. Not only does it boost blood circulation, but also opens up blocked channels throughout the body and relieves stress and anxiety.
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Lie flat on your stomach and raise both the legs and torso backward. Extend your arms backward and grasp both the feet with your hands. Hold this position for as long as possible and keep inhaling normally. Return to the starting position and repeat the asana for 5-6 times.
Benefits:
The bow pose is an ultimate remedy for providing relief from back problems, and diminishing stress and strain. It increases spinal flexibility by opening and flexing the upper thoracic spine in the other direction. It helps in treating sudden muscle pulls and also increases circulation to revitalize and energize the whole body.
Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
Lie down on your back and close your eyes. Relax your body and mind. and think happy peaceful thoughts. Take your time while you do this. Breathe normally and do not hold your breath. After some time, stand up.
Benefits:
The Corpse Pose not only cools the body, calms the mind and marks the end of the yoga session but also helps inhibit the spread of gastrointestinal troubles, diabetes and respiratory issues. The asana actively boosts mental well-being, while relaxing the body, and improving concentration, and patience. Practice this after every asana to allow the body to relax in between.
