Practicing Yoga For Improved Health On International Yoga Day
International Yoga Day, celebrated annually on June 21, is a global event dedicated to the practice of yoga. People usually come together during the summer solstice each year to recognize the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga.
June 21, otherwise known as summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, can also be significant because it’s the longest day of the year. The word “yoga” generally means “union,” and some believe that individuals can use yoga to reach elevated states of consciousness. The summer solstice can be a conducive time for this inner transformation, according to yogic culture, and it can also be a chance for people to bring clarity and harmony into their lives.
The declaration of International Yoga Day by the United Nations General Assembly was so popular amongst member countries that it was agreed upon by acclamation, which can show its universal appeal and recognition as a holistic approach to health and wellness. The world recognized this day in 2014, soon after India’s permanent representative introduced it. While yoga can have many benefits for physical and mental health, combining it with therapy may amplify its effects on well-being.
History of yoga
According to yogic lore, yoga may have originated in India over 15,000 years ago with the first yogi, Shiva, otherwise known as Adiyogi. It is usually said that Shiva passed on the knowledge of yoga to the Saptarishis, or the seven sages. These seven sages are believed to have gone on to spread the practice of yoga throughout India.
Over time and through the work of different sages and gurus, yoga evolved from its early origins into a comprehensive system encompassing physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation practices. Throughout history, gurus, sages, and spiritual leaders in India helped to preserve and spread the teachings of yoga. These revered individuals often passed their wisdom across generations through verbal teachings and written texts, such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita.
Today, yoga is practiced worldwide as a physical and spiritual practice. This adoption of yoga outside of India may be due to a variety of factors, including scientific research that highlights the beneficial health outcomes of yoga, raised awareness due to social media, and revered Indian gurus making yoga accessible for all. Today, yoga may be practiced by millions of people worldwide as a holistic approach to enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Types of yoga
There are many different types of yoga in the world today, with certain countries, like the United States, creating adaptations that encourage physical fitness, such as hot yoga. Other common yoga practices include yin yoga, restorative yoga, and Ashtanga yoga. They can each offer distinct approaches to mental and physical well-being.
Yin yoga usually involves holding gentle poses for extended periods, promoting relaxation and flexibility. Restorative yoga typically uses fully supported yoga postures to stimulate deep relaxation. Ashtanga yoga tends to be more dynamic and structured, emphasizing strength, flexibility, and mental focus.
There may be many different forms of yoga available to you, whether you prefer a dynamic yoga class that uplifts your energy before an active weekend or a slower-paced yoga session to reset and recharge during a busy period.
Certain yogic practices can also work on what yogic lore refers to as “the energetic body.” It’s believed that the energetic body can have a strong influence on overall well-being. Certain yoga practices may work toward creating balance and harmony within the energetic body for increased vitality.
Mental health benefits of yoga
Your mental health and well-being can impact various areas of your life, so it can be important to find practices that support your overall health and well-being. Various organizations have created yoga programs to support people mentally, physically, and spiritually, including the Isha Foundation, which is a nonprofit spiritual organization that offers in-person and online programs.
One practice they offer is Upa-Yoga, which means “pre-yoga” or “sub-yoga” and is often considered a good foundation for yoga practice. Research shows that students who practiced online Isha Upa-Yoga during the COVID-19 pandemic typically experienced significant improvements in well-being, with reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression.
Upa-Yoga can be a simple yet powerful practice that may rejuvenate the body and mind through a series of gentle movements and breathwork.
Yoga can offer a multitude of benefits for an individual’s mental health, which may be especially important in today’s modern world. Individuals can also attend yoga retreats to more fully experience the impact of yoga.
Research showed that one month after attending a 4-day yoga retreat, participants generally had sustained improvements in focus, happiness, and well-being. This may show the lasting impact yoga can have on health and well-being.
It’s also been shown that longtime Isha Yoga practitioners tend to show lower levels of depression and anxiety and higher levels of well-being than non-practitioners. By incorporating yoga into daily life, practitioners can benefit from an increased sense of clarity, focus, and calmness. This can benefit individuals in a variety of ways, enriching relationships, supporting work and home life, and fostering openness and acceptance so they can embrace new experiences.
Physical health benefits of yoga
Yoga can help an individual develop flexibility, strength, and correct posture. Through a combination of postures and movements, both dynamic and static, yoga can enhance physical capabilities.
There may be different benefits of yoga depending on the type of yoga performed. Hatha yoga is generally considered one of the more physical forms of yoga, and it utilizes physical postures and breathwork to support individuals physically and spiritually.
This holistic approach to yoga may cultivate core strength, improve balance, and enhance flexibility while also promoting mental clarity and focus.
There is also evidence to suggest that yoga can reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which tends to be one of the most common causes of death on a global scale.
Yoga practices for everyday life
When the United Nations General Assembly came to a unanimous decision that June 21 would become International Yoga Day, they showed that many countries and communities around the world have embraced yoga. Today, there are many different options for integrating yoga into your everyday life. Here are a few ideas:
- Online platforms: Use apps like YouTube to access live and recorded yoga classes online.
- Yoga breaks: Take breaks during the day to stretch and practice short yoga flows. This can be as simple as following along with a five-minute video online or engaging in some light stretching. Short yoga practices can support happiness and productivity, whether you are at work, school, or home. They can be a great substitute for physical inactivity during breaks.
- In-person retreats: If you want an immersive yoga experience, then you might consider investing in a retreat. Many are hosted at scenic locations, but you could also consider local options.
- Yoga studios: Most yoga studios offer memberships, class packages, and day passes, giving you the flexibility to attend classes whenever it suits you. You might attend an in-person class at your local yoga studio with friends, develop connections with members of your community, or use a yoga class as a chance to rewind and refresh on your own.
- Yoga in the park: Take advantage of the outdoors by participating in community-led yoga sessions held at parks or beaches. Connecting with nature while practicing yoga can enhance the experience.
- Yoga books: Reading a book on yoga can be a great way to deepen your practice, inspiring personal growth and helping you develop clarity and understanding.
Amplify the benefits of yoga with therapy
Yoga often promotes mindfulness, or a focus on the current moment, as well as breathwork and movement. While each of these components can be beneficial on their own, combining them in a yoga practice can be transformational. Working with a therapist on top of maintaining a regular yoga practice can help you further enhance your well-being in a variety of ways. In therapy, you might dig into your past, consider your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the present, and set goals for your future.
A common barrier to attending therapy in person may be finding the time and energy to commute to and from a therapist’s office. Online therapy can make it simpler to connect with a licensed mental health professional who can help you address any mental health concerns or challenges you may be experiencing. Attending sessions from the comfort of your home may make the therapy process more accessible.
Research suggests that online and in-person therapy usually produce the same client outcomes. Both options can effectively treat a variety of mental health disorders and help individuals address a range of challenges in their daily lives.
Takeaway
International Yoga Day on June 21 can be a chance to celebrate and learn about the rich history of yoga. Yoga can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as promote focus, health, and happiness. There can be various ways to try yoga, from a local yoga class with a friend to an in-person retreat or a practice in a local park. Yoga can be an invaluable tool for people seeking mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual support, and its benefits can be increased by working with a therapist online or in person.
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