The theme for this years International Yoga Day is `Yoga for well being. The theme is relevant during these times when COVID-19 has taken a toll on people’s mental health and well being.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed “Yoga Day” during his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014. India’s proposal was then approved by a total of 177 members, which marked a new high for the nation. On June 21, 2015, the inaugural International Day of Yoga was commemorated all around the world. Since then, yoga day is celebrated to highlight the importance of practising yoga to promote people’s physical and mental well-being.
It becomes vital to incorporate a healthy practice such as yoga to address mental health problems. These difficulties have multiplied during the Covid era, putting all age groups under pressure. The symptoms of mental health such as anxiety are often overlooked until the situation becomes serious. However, you can use yoga to cope with anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic.
There is no doubt that the pandemic also affects your mental health. Many people were found to be suffering from psychological distress, sadness and anxiety as a result of the limitations and losses imposed due to Covid-19.
The United Nations too has endorsed the ancient Indian practice. It said on its website that yoga might help individuals cope with such situations since the message of the practice is to improve both physical and mental well-being.
The statement read, “A growing trend of people around the world embracing yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression has been witnessed during the pandemic. Yoga is also playing a significant role in the psycho-social care and rehabilitation of Covid-19 patients in quarantine and isolation. It is particularly helpful in allaying their fears and anxiety.”
Yoga has also been suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a way to enhance one’s health. Increased flexibility, fitness, awareness, and relaxation are just a few of the advantages.