Every year International Yoga Day is celebrated on the 21st of June. Narendra Modi put forth his suggestion of celebrating yoga day during his speech at the UNGA (UN General Assembly). The resolution which was proposed by India was then endorsed by a record of 177 members. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on 21st June 2015. June 21st is also called the summer solstice and is the longest day of the year. This is also the reason why it is celebrated on this day.                                                                                                                                               

The speech of PM Modi in UNGA states, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover a sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature. Changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, can help in well-being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.

The theme of International Yoga Day 2022 is “Yoga for Humanity”.

Yoga for improving quality of life – 

Yoga for flexibility – Flexibility is important for physical health. Yoga ranges from high intensity to moderate to low. Even the lowest intensity yoga is found to increase flexibility. Decreased flexibility is natural but doing yoga slows down the process and increases it at the same time. It also eases aches and pain.

Yoga for mental health – Yoga asanas are really helpful in strengthening mental health. Meditation and chanting help in relieving stress too. Yoga is an effective treatment for depression and this has been proven. Yoga significantly improves depressive symptoms. It may also help to reduce anxiety.

Yoga boosts immunity – Yoga is considered to enhance the body’s immunity system. Thereby it boosts immunity which is very important in fighting off the disease.

Yoga brings balance in life - Yoga has been shown to improve balance and overall performance. There are so many asanas in yoga that are purely based on balancing the body.  

Yoga improves cardiovascular functions – Pranayama or yogic breathing, one of the most loved parts of yoga is known to strengthen cardiovascular functions. It acts on the cardiovascular system through favorable changes in heart rate, stroke capacity, arterial pressure, and contractility of the heart. 

Yoga may improve self-esteem – The studies have shown positive results when using yoga for improving self-esteem. Yoga can help with accompanying symptoms of obsession, anxiety and depression. 

Yoga for better posture and body awareness – Different asanas of yoga practice improves mobility and flexibility, thereby improving the posture of the body. Yoga keeps the body and mind in sound health. This improves body awareness. 

Yoga improves the quality of life – As yoga improves different body functions, it contributes to the whole quality of life. Thus, it also improves the lifespan of an individual. 

Pranayama 🡪 Purifies the internal system or organs 🡪Generates energy 🡪channeled into meditation and Dhyan 🡪Stability, peace and calm