Know the amazing benefits of yoga for your health
Every year on June 21, people around the world celebrate International Yoga Day. This special day reminds us of an ancient practice from India that helps us stay healthy and happy. The United Nations started this day in 2014. The main goal is to show everyone the amazing benefits of yoga. Yoga helps our body and our mind. The theme for 2025 is “One Earth, One Health Yoga”. This theme tells us that when we are healthy, we also help make the world a healthier place.
Why do we celebrate yoga on June 21?
June 21 is a very special day. In many parts of the world, it is the longest day of the year. We call it the summer solstice. On this day, there is more sunlight than on any other day. Many cultures see this day as a new beginning and a time of light. It is the perfect day to begin the journey of self-improvement through yoga. Ancient stories say that the first yogis or Adiyogis started teaching yoga on this day. Therefore, we celebrate this day as the Day of Knowledge and Health.
What does the word “yoga” mean?
Yoga originated in India thousands of years ago. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit language. The root word is “yuj,” which means “to unite” or “to join.”
But what does it unite?
First, yoga connects your body with your mind. It helps them come together and work in harmony. Imagine your body and mind becoming best friends. On a deeper level, the purpose of yoga is to connect your inner self with the world around you. It helps you find peace and feel connected to everything. At its core, yoga is a path to peace and self-discovery.
The Three Main Parts of a Yoga Practice
When people practice yoga today, they usually focus on three main things. These parts work together to make you feel good.
- Asana: Moving Your Body
Asanas are the physical postures of yoga. You’ve probably seen pictures of people in different yoga poses. These aren’t just simple exercises. Each asana helps your body in a specific way.
Asanas build strength in your muscles.
They make your body more flexible.
They improve your balance and posture.
Asanas like Downward Facing Dog or Warrior Pose stretch and strengthen your entire body. They reduce stress and make your body feel open and relaxed. Asanas prepare your body to sit still for the next part of yoga.
- Pranayama: Controlling Your Breath
Pranayama is the practice of mindful breathing. In yoga, we believe that our breath is our life force energy, called ‘prana’. When you learn to control your breath, you learn to control your energy and mind.
You practice slow and deep breathing. This simple act tells your brain to relax. It calms your nerves and reduces feelings of stress. Breathing exercises can help you be more focused and clear-headed. Your breath is a powerful tool that connects your body to your mind.
- Meditation: Calming Your Mind
Meditation is meditation. This is the part where you learn to calm your mind. Our mind is often very busy, with thoughts jumping from one thing to another. Meditation helps you slow down this mental chatter.
You don’t have to stop your thoughts. Instead, you learn to observe them without getting carried away. This method helps you feel calm and focused. This improves your concentration and helps you understand yourself better. Meditation brings a deep sense of peace and relaxation.
Amazing Health Benefits of Yoga
Practising yoga daily has many benefits for your health. Let’s look at some of the key benefits.
Benefits for your body:
Makes you strong and flexible: Yoga builds muscles using your own body weight. Regular practice makes you stronger. Stretching during yoga also improves your flexibility, which helps prevent injuries.
Improves your posture: Do you sit at a desk all day? Yoga strengthens your core and back muscles. It teaches you to sit and stand, which is great for your spine.
Keeps your heart healthy: Some styles of yoga give your heart a good workout. All yoga poses help improve blood circulation. They can also help lower your blood pressure and keep your heart strong.
Helps you sleep better: If you have trouble sleeping, yoga can help. It relaxes your body and calms your mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Benefits for your mind:
Reduces stress: This is the most popular benefit of yoga. The combination of asanas, breathing, and meditation is a powerful way to reduce stress. It reduces the stress hormone cortisol in your body.
Makes you happier: Yoga can boost your mood. It encourages your brain to release chemicals like serotonin that help you feel good. People who do yoga often say they feel happier and more positive.
Improves Focus: The concentration required in yoga trains your brain. Pranayama and meditation sharpen your focus. You will find it easier to concentrate on tasks at work or school.
Yoga is more than just an exercise
Yoga is not just something you do on a mat for an hour. It is a way of life. It teaches you to be mindful in everything you do. It promotes principles like kindness, truthfulness, and contentment.
This ties into the theme of “One Earth, One Health Yoga.” When you take care of yourself through yoga, you become a calmer and more compassionate person. This positive energy impacts your family, your community, and the world. A healthy person helps create a healthy planet.
International Yoga Day is a wonderful reminder to embrace this practice. It invites us all to take care of our bodies, our minds, and our world. So why not start your yoga journey today and discover all its amazing benefits.
