As the International Day of Yoga, 2020 was observed across the globe on Sunday amid the fight against the Coronavirus, the celebration gave yoga practice a new look. This year, it has been advised to practice yoga from the safety of homes. In these social distancing times, yoga mass practices are not advisable. Keeping that in mind, the theme for this year's International Yoga Day is "Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family."
What is International Day of Yoga?
International Day of Yoga is celebrated every year on June 21 since 2015. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed to the United Nations General Assembly to mark June 21, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, as International Day of Yoga, which was approved by 177 member states of the United Nations. The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated in India on June 21, 2015 at New Delhi's Rajpath in which around 35,985 people, including PM Modi and dignitaries from 84 nations, participated promoting 21 yoga asanas.
Why is Yoga important during Coronavirus pandemic?
Keeping fit and healthy is, no doubt, very important to lead a happy life. However, the health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to take care of our health more than ever. In such pandemic times, spending more time for better health has become extremely important. We need to stay fit, active and positive in these turbulent times.
Yoga is not just another form of exercise. Yoga helps strengthen the mind, body and soul. Practicing yoga can develop your physical, mental and social health. Above all, it boost your immune system which is much-needed to fight all types of virus and diseases.
Benefits of Yoga
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to stay indoors leading to increased stress and decreased physical activities. Practicing yoga has a number of benefits, from boosting your immune system to reducing stress and giving a healthier lifestyle.
Different yoga poses serve different advantages. Some poses help massage organs, strengthening the muscles while the breathing and meditation pose help bust the stress and boost immunity.
Yoga heals and enhances every cell in the body, making it more immune to sickness. Yoga helps in the stimulation of organs which in turns helps in resisting diseases.
Practicing yoga lowers blood pressure as it enhances the blood circulation in the body.
Yoga facilitates better sleep as it helps you in relaxing your mind completely.
Yoga also helps in better transportation of oxygen and nutrients which results in healthier organs and glowing skin.
