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| YOGA: Reviving Mental Health During COVID Times | | |
Asya wani
Today, the whole world is suffering from a Coronavirus pandemic. To curb the spread of this disease various governments of various nations of the world have imposed Lockdowns to varying degrees in their respective countries As a result of these Lockdowns, the normal life style of common folk has seen a transition. People are suffering physically, mentally, and spiritually. People are not allowed to perform their regular habitual chores, are barred from going to their places of worship or even gyms where they could exercise. As the daily life cycle of humans is built on habits, if these habits suddenly break, the mind suffers a sudden shock which could later on give rise to various mental conditions. In this scenario where there is a constant tussle between mind and body, yoga can be incorporated to relax the mind. "Yoga" a Sanskrit word derived from the Sanskrit root 'yuj' meaning to connect, join or balance which play a very pivotal role in making the world a healthier place. In fact yoga is the most miscomprehended and misunderstood concept, not only in India, but throughout the world. During the lockdown we have to exercise daily as it helps release stress, while keeping one physically and mentally fit. In the wake of people grappling with mental health issues amidst lockdown, a new study has found that movement based yoga is likely to improve mental health during COVID -19 crisis. The study argued that movement based yoga improved mental health of people living with a range of mental disorders, including anxiety, post traumatic stress and major depression with benefits being incremental with the amount of yoga they practiced. Exercise has always been a great strategy for people struggling with these feelings as it boosts both mood and health. But as gyms and exercise classes of all kinds are now closed even jogging with a friend is strongly discouraged. People are looking for alternatives and this is where yoga can help.
The restricted travel, panic over the risk of infection, continuous flow of negative news and scarcity of day to day material and resources due to the corona pandemic are all adding to growing anxiety. Yoga has known to be beneficial since ages, it can help keep anxiety and mental health in check. It is not just for weight loss, but also to keep the mind calm. Anxiety or stress usually triggers the sympathetic nervous system which will have manifestations such as increased blood pressure, tensed muscles, lack of concentration, faster breathing and yoga helps to calm that down. Yoga is a great tool as the stretching poses help to reduce tension in muscles and joints, and this can, in turn, help relax the sympathetic system. One of the best forms of physical, mental and spiritual practice, yoga is best suited for this quarantine period. Practice of yoga takes care of all these mental issues. 20 minutes of yoga Nidra every day can help immensely in overcoming stress and anxiety. Yoga along with breathing and meditation can be considered as an all round exercise which will take care of our body, mind and soul. The literal meaning of yoga according to the Vedas is ‘union’. The reward of this union with the universe is the unfolding and blossoming of our potential to its fullest and optimal level. It has been clinically testified that deep mediation in combination with deep breathing exercises not only improves the physical functioning, but also mental mechanism. Relaxation triggered by deep mediation and breathing bring about balance in the right and left lobes of the brain. Through yoga, the imbalances in the metabolism can be balanced which are crucial for health. Yoga has become quite popular in the entire world, especially in the western countries because of its wholesomeness. We must practise it for a happy, healthy and satisfied life. It is a wonderful alternate healing therapy for any disease. The art of practicing yoga helps in controlling an individual’s mind, body and soul. It brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve a peaceful body and mind.It build confidence ,relieve stress improve immunity and maintain a healthier life style. The relaxation techniques incorporated in yoga can lessen chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. Yoga can also lower blood pressure and reduce insomnia. The best benefits of yoga is how it helps a person manage stress, which is known to have devastating effects on the body and mind. Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness, increases body awareness relieves chronic stress patterns relaxes the mind, centres attention and sharpens concentration. It is important to outline the importance of yoga practice for a young generation. Yoga is one of the most beneficial body practices in the world, which has a rich ancient history and traditions. It is highly beneficial to make yoga an essential part of your life and practise it everyday .
"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self to the self. " |
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