In today’s busy and demanding world, whether it’s work, studying or dealing with other stressful situations, self-care and maintaining your physical and mental health cannot be ignored.
International Yoga Day 2024, to be held on June 21, 2024, will highlight these issues under the theme “Yoga for Self and Society”.
Yoga instructor Anela Patil says that physical and mental health is the greatest asset of all. Good health helps us live full and healthy lives, which leads to a healthier and more harmonious society, she explained.
“This will go a long way in reducing the negative impact that mental health issues such as depression and anxiety have on individuals and the impact on families that usually accompany them. If these issues are not addressed, they can have a negative impact on productivity at an individual and societal level and in the long run can be economically burdensome to address,” she noted.
Patil is an India-trained yoga teacher and was the yoga instructor at the Indian High Commission in Georgetown. He has over 12 years of experience working with groups from diverse backgrounds.
These include Army personnel, prisoners, the LGBT community, businesses, civil servants and children of different age groups.
She pointed out that yoga is an ancient Indian science that aims to achieve balance of mind and a healthy body and, given its holistic benefits, transcends known barriers in society.
“With the stresses and tensions in today’s world, yoga has gained international popularity that transcends race, religion, gender and politics,” Patil said, quickly pointing out that the theme for International Yoga Day 2024, “Yoga for Self and Society,” is quite fitting.
“It is never safe to immerse yourself in work or the challenges around you. Take time to focus on yourself – your physical and mental health. Yoga is a means to address these challenges and naturally, a healthy body and a positive mindset will result in a better and more productive society,” she said.
Yoga involves stretching (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation and relaxation.
According to Patil, once taught properly, yoga can improve brain function, lower stress levels, increase flexibility and, after a few months of practice, lower blood pressure, improve lung capacity, relieve chronic neck and back pain, ease anxiety, lower blood sugar levels for diabetics and improve balance.
As enthusiasts around the world prepare to celebrate International Day of Yoga, she encourages more people of all ages to embrace the practice of yoga and its path to a healthier, more harmonious life.
June 21 this year marked the 10th International Day of Yoga. The date, June 21, was proclaimed by the United Nations on December 11, 2014, to recognise the international appeal of yoga and to raise awareness around the world about the many benefits of practising it.
