Editorial | International Yoga Day

This International Yoga Day is being celebrated with the long-cherished theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (meaning Earth is My Home). Yoga practiced in India and many other parts of the world alike is an ancient practice which builds mental strength and awareness about the things around us. The practice of Yoga includes breathing exercises, meditation and asanas or poses that stretch and flex various muscle groups in the body which otherwise remain largely untouched or to say dormant. These special poses called ‘asanas’ are designed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress in one’s body. The practice of Yoga is beneficial to all genders and literally to all age groups and lifestyles. As such it has been seen that practicing Yoga has many advantages which include both physical and psychological wellness benefits.The major advantages/benefits of Yoga include that; it prevents heart diseases, reduces chronic pain, improves flexibility and balance, increases muscle strength, improves respiration even as it reduces stress, relieves anxiety, fights depression, promotes sleep quality and stimulates brain function. The Yoga received a major recognition on the global platform after the United Nations General Assembly, on December 11, 2014, adopted a unanimous resolution declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Since then, millions of people have participated in the celebrations of yoga every year worldwide and we too should not hold ourselves back and make the most of this age-old practice aimed at our overall physical and mental well-being.