Yoga has many benefits. On this International Day of Yoga, let’s reflect upon the link between Yoga and personal happiness. Read on…
The International Day of Yoga was first observed on 21st June 2015. Recognition from the United Nations General Assembly came in 2014. Today, the entire world acknowledges the role of Yoga in healing our mind and body. Yoga culture has this immense popularity because people of all age groups can participate in it as per their personal needs and capacity. You have the choice to opt for gentle body stretches or go for vigorous movements. Rest assured, both the forms of Yoga make us happy.
Impact of Yoga on Our Mind
During Yoga movements, the brain releases certain “feel-good” hormones like Endorphins which nurture an upbeat mood.
The poses/postures of Asanas practiced in Yoga enhance body strength and flexibility manifolds. It sparks great enthusiasm.
Our confidence level goes up after perfecting a difficult Yoga posture or mind-body coordination. These kinds of small accomplishments bring grand happiness.
5 Core Practices of Yoga Make Us Happy
Now, it is clear that there are science-backed reasons to prove Yoga can indeed maximize our happiness. To yield these Yoga benefits, you do not need long practice sessions spanning several hours. For any beginner, 15-20 minutes of Yoga session in a day is good enough. However, you need to be consistent. Following are the 5 key contributions of Yoga towards a happier life:
Yoga is not like any other workout. The word Yoga means union. It is a practice for union of mind and body. We try to establish a connection between mind and body. This alignment puts us in a perpetual happy and healthy state.
The posture-based physical fitness achieved through Yoga boosts stamina and endurance to a new height. This newfound agility improves our self-esteem. Thus, happy and positive feelings flourish after every Yoga session.
Deep breathing exercises, like Pranayama, is an excellent mindful breathing technique for stress relief. While doing Pranayama, we learn to control rapid breathing caused by panic and anxiety. In this way, we come in direct contact with a calmer and happier self.
Yogic meditation is all about deep focus to eliminate restlessness, negative thoughts, and emotions. The mind becomes empty. Once the restlessness is gone, we are able to cultivate peace, harmony within and secure happiness.
Light Yoga stretches in bed before bedtime help us to release tension from neck, spine, lower back, and pelvis region. Our body unwinds in a state of complete relaxation and falls into deep sleep fast. An uninterrupted, sound sleep at night elevates our mood the next morning.
Yoga Benefits Beyond Mat
Yoga training transforms our mind and body over a period of time. Apart from strength building exercises, breathing and meditation techniques bring about marked improvement in overall quality of life.
Yoga movements promote self-discipline.
During early phases of Yoga sessions, we struggle to hold certain poses and postures. Our deliberate attempts empower us to master strenuous physical postures and get out of the clumsiness. It teaches us the true value of self-discipline and dedication. We derive immense inner satisfaction from our daily progress. That makes a mundane life happy and content.
Stillness in yoga builds self-awareness.
Stillness is a moment when we stop caring for speed and intensity. Our movements slow down and awareness expands. Yoga sharpens our awareness of breath and subtle sensations which we often miss out in modern-day lifestyle. As we get to know ourselves better, we become more sensible. We develop patience to deal with uncertain times. We retain emotional stability in stressful conditions. Self-awareness anchors our thoughts to the present moment. No past regrets. No future anxieties. Only mindful living with less mental clutter and more happy vibes.
Parting Note: Practice Yoga not just on the International Yoga Day but once daily throughout the year to stay fit and happy. Never miss it!
