International Day of Yoga 2024: Yoga, an old discipline that has its roots in India, has become quite famous all over the world. It is not only considered a physical exercise but also a holistic approach to well-being. Yoga offers health advantages, including one's mental health.

Yoga exercises, also called asanas, include ethical precepts (yamas and niyamas), meditation (dhyana), and breath control (pranayama). Asanas help the body release tension. Controlled breathing exercises help improve oxygen flow to the brain, which eventually helps people relax and cope with stress and anxiety. Meditation also enables people to take charge of their thoughts and feelings. Together, these components create a comprehensive system that addresses mental health from multiple angles, says Dr Rajmadhangi, MBBS, MD-Gen Medicine, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai.

Yoga for Anxiety

1. &nbsp; &nbsp;Stress Reduction: Yoga helps lower cortisol levels, which are frequently raised in those who suffer from anxiety. Asanas and pranayama help with relaxation.

2. &nbsp; &nbsp;Mindfulness: With the help of yoga and meditation, people can worry less about the past or the future and concentrate on the here and now. Mindfulness also helps in ending the anxiety cycle.&nbsp;

3. &nbsp; &nbsp;Breath Control: Breathing exercises lower heart rate and foster calmness. It helps deal with the anxiety-induced fight-or-flight response.

4. &nbsp; &nbsp;Improved Sleep: Yoga practice can help improve sleep quality, which often gets affected by anxiety. Better sleep helps regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-diphtheria-know-about-disease-that-killed-5-in-indias-odisha-733233">What is diphtheria? Know about disease that killed 5 in India's Odisha</a>

Yoga for Depression

Depression is a mental health condition characterised by persistent sadness, lack of interest, and a range of physical symptoms. Here's how yoga can be an effective complementary treatment for depression:

1. &nbsp; &nbsp;Mood Enhancement: Serotonin and endorphins are neurotransmitters which are linked to happiness and well-being. These hormones are produced in greater quantity when doing yoga, which in turn helps in improving overall mood of a person.&nbsp;

2. &nbsp; &nbsp;Poor Energy Levels: Maintaining a yoga routine can help fight the sluggishness and poor energy that come with depression.

3. &nbsp; &nbsp;Social Connection: People usually find communities with which they practice yoga. This helps them build social connections.&nbsp;

Yoga for Other Mental Health Conditions

Other than anxiety and depression, yoga helps in managing other mental health conditions such as PTSD, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder:

1. &nbsp; &nbsp;Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Accoridng to some studies, yoga can also help reduce hyperarousal, a major PTSD symptom, and balance the autonomic nervous system.&nbsp;

2. &nbsp; &nbsp;ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Yoga helps people with ADHD better control their symptoms by helping them improve focus and reducing impulsivity.&nbsp;

3. &nbsp; &nbsp;Bipolar Disorder: Although yoga cannot treat bipolar disorder on its own, it can support medical and psychiatric therapy by lowering stress and providing mood stability.&nbsp;

Integrating Yoga into Mental Health Care

There are ways one can maximise the benefits of yoga for mental health.

1. &nbsp; &nbsp;Consistency: Consistency is key. Spare an hour every day for a short yoga session for best results.&nbsp;

2. &nbsp; &nbsp;Personalisation: Different styles of yoga (e.g., Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin) can give different benefits. It's important to personalise the asanas according to your needs.&nbsp;

3. &nbsp; &nbsp;Holistic Approach: Combine yoga with other treatments such as therapy and medication as it is effective when used as part of a comprehensive mental health care plan.

Yoga is a special and efficient technique to deal with sadness, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It can also help improve an individual's overall quality of life by assisting them in finding inner peace, resilience, and healing.

International Day of Yoga 2024: Yoga, an old discipline that has its roots in India, has become quite famous all over the world. It is not only considered a physical exercise but also a holistic approach to well-being.

International Day of Yoga 2024: Yoga, an old discipline that has its roots in India, has become quite famous all over the world. It is not only considered a physical exercise but also a holistic approach to well-being. Yoga offers health advantages, including one's mental health. Yoga exercises, also called asanas, include ethical precepts (yamas and niyamas), meditation (dhyana), and breath control (pranayama). Asanas help the body release tension. Controlled breathing exercises help improve oxygen flow to the brain, which eventually helps people relax and cope with stress and anxiety. Meditation also enables people to take charge of their thoughts and feelings. Together, these components create a comprehensive system that addresses mental health from multiple angles, says Dr Rajmadhangi, MBBS, MD-Gen Medicine, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai. Yoga for Anxiety 1. Stress Reduction: Yoga helps lower cortisol levels, which are frequently raised in those who suffer from anxiety. Asanas and pranayama help with relaxation. 2. Mindfulness: With the help of yoga and meditation, people can worry less about the past or the future and concentrate on the here and now. Mindfulness also helps in ending the anxiety cycle. 3. Breath Control: Breathing exercises lower heart rate and foster calmness. It helps deal with the anxiety-induced fight-or-flight response. 4. Improved Sleep: Yoga practice can help improve sleep quality, which often gets affected by anxiety. Better sleep helps regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Also read: What is diphtheria? Know about disease that killed 5 in India's Odisha Yoga for Depression Depression is a mental health condition characterised by persistent sadness, lack of interest, and a range of physical symptoms. Here's how yoga can be an effective complementary treatment for depression: 1. Mood Enhancement: Serotonin and endorphins are neurotransmitters which are linked to happiness and well-being. These hormones are produced in greater quantity when doing yoga, which in turn helps in improving overall mood of a person. 2. Poor Energy Levels: Maintaining a yoga routine can help fight the sluggishness and poor energy that come with depression. 3. Social Connection: People usually find communities with which they practice yoga. This helps them build social connections. Yoga for Other Mental Health Conditions Other than anxiety and depression, yoga helps in managing other mental health conditions such as PTSD, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder: 1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Accoridng to some studies, yoga can also help reduce hyperarousal, a major PTSD symptom, and balance the autonomic nervous system. 2. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Yoga helps people with ADHD better control their symptoms by helping them improve focus and reducing impulsivity. 3. Bipolar Disorder: Although yoga cannot treat bipolar disorder on its own, it can support medical and psychiatric therapy by lowering stress and providing mood stability. Integrating Yoga into Mental Health Care There are ways one can maximise the benefits of yoga for mental health. 1. Consistency: Consistency is key. Spare an hour every day for a short yoga session for best results. 2. Personalisation: Different styles of yoga (e.g., Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin) can give different benefits. It's important to personalise the asanas according to your needs. 3. Holistic Approach: Combine yoga with other treatments such as therapy and medication as it is effective when used as part of a comprehensive mental health care plan. Yoga is a special and efficient technique to deal with sadness, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It can also help improve an individual's overall quality of life by assisting them in finding inner peace, resilience, and healing.

International Day of Yoga 2024: How yoga helps manage anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions

Every year on June 21, the world unites to celebrate International Yoga Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the ancient Indian practice of yoga and its manifold benefits for physical and mental well-being. Watch in the celebrities who practice Yoga.

International Yoga Day 2024: Celebrities who have embraced Yoga

Yoga benefits for adults: Yoga is considered one of the best exercises all over the world because it calms down the mind, and renders physical and emotional strength to the body, increasing body posture, flexibility, and concentration power. Unlike other physical activities which can cause body strain due to rigorous workouts, yoga is a safe option for the elderly as it mainly focuses on mind, body and breathing techniques, helping them to rejuvenate and stay healthy. Yoga can be practiced daily to avail the benefits and one should gradually include various asanas so the body will get acclimatised to it.&nbsp;

<h2>Benefits of yoga for older adults&nbsp;</h2>

Flexibility: Yoga poses involve stretching, and flexibility in joints is essential, especially for the elderly, as it enables them to move around more freely. Some easy exercises such as the stretch can help reduce stiffness and also poor posture.&nbsp;

Better balance: Nearly all the yoga asanas relate to stability and hence help in the reduction of falls which are crucial for elderly persons. Postures such as Tree Pose and Warrior III strengthen the muscles of the abdomen and back and lessen the risk of falling.

Cognitive function: Yoga involves deliberate movement of the body, and this in one way involves the brain and can enhance its functioning. Yoga practice can enhance memory, focused attention and information processing speed, which help the brain in its functioning.

Stress reduction: Yoga includes controlled breathing and relaxation to reduce stress levels that may persist in elderly persons. Lower stress levels positively affect mental, psychological, and in some cases even physical well-being by decreasing the number of diseases caused by stress.

Pain management: Arthritis, back pain and any other chronic pain are common in older adults, but yoga can provide relief through gentle stretching and strengthening. Daily exercise helps in eradicating pain in a person experiencing arthritis or backache.

Anti-ageing: Certain yoga practices generate heat in the body which helps in improving circulation and metabolism and promotes skin health and overall rejuvenation for older people. &nbsp;Surya Bhedana Pranayama if done regularly can assist the person in controlling the stress factor and thereby can prove beneficial in anti-ageing.

Sleep Management: Elderly people mostly experience sleep disorders. Meditation principles followed in yoga include relaxation and stress reduction, thus enhancing sleep quality and developing good sleep habits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-explained-is-forgetfulness-a-key-indicator-of-alzheimers-disease-experts-tell-when-to-seek-help-733275">Explained: Is forgetfulness a key indicator of Alzheimer's disease? Experts tell when to seek help</a>

Some elderly people need to exercise caution before adopting yoga into their daily practices. Here are some considerations for older individuals who may need to approach yoga practice with care or avoid certain aspects altogether:

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Individuals with very severe osteoporosis should not perform forward bends or twisting movements in yoga since these movements are likely to cause fractures. A yoga instructor who is experienced with osteoporosis patients can guide the changes to make.

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;People who underwent recent joint surgery should avoid excessive stress on the replaced joint.&nbsp;

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;While some yoga exercises may transitory increase blood pressure, some forms of pranayama or breathing exercises are strenuous as well. Therefore, those with uncontrolled hypertension should seek medical advice before practising yoga and can opt for moderate exercise.

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;People with severe cognitive impairment may have difficulty following instructions or practising yoga poses safely. Yoga therapy or yoga exercise programs customized for the elderly with such needs by professional yoga trainers may be more suitable.

Speaking exclusively to WION, Dr Alok Rai (Sr. Consultant - Pre &amp; Post Surgical, Ergonomics &amp; Sports Rehab Specialist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore) says, "Yoga, when practised as part of daily activities or several times a week can greatly improve the quality of life among the elderly by tackling physical challenges and disorders as well as mental issues. However, it is essential to remember that if one has a medical ailment or disease, yoga should be commenced after seeking advice from a doctor."

Yoga can be modified according to the abilities of the person, which makes it an excellent option for senior citizens. One of the best ways is to do yoga under the guidance of a certified instructor, who would customise asanas as per individual’s needs.

Yoga benefits for adults: Yoga is considered one of the best exercises all over the world because it calms down the mind, and renders physical and emotional strength to the body, increasing body posture, flexibility, and concentration power.

Yoga benefits for adults: Yoga is considered one of the best exercises all over the world because it calms down the mind, and renders physical and emotional strength to the body, increasing body posture, flexibility, and concentration power. Unlike other physical activities which can cause body strain due to rigorous workouts, yoga is a safe option for the elderly as it mainly focuses on mind, body and breathing techniques, helping them to rejuvenate and stay healthy. Yoga can be practiced daily to avail the benefits and one should gradually include various asanas so the body will get acclimatised to it. Benefits of yoga for older adults Flexibility: Yoga poses involve stretching, and flexibility in joints is essential, especially for the elderly, as it enables them to move around more freely. Some easy exercises such as the stretch can help reduce stiffness and also poor posture. Better balance: Nearly all the yoga asanas relate to stability and hence help in the reduction of falls which are crucial for elderly persons. Postures such as Tree Pose and Warrior III strengthen the muscles of the abdomen and back and lessen the risk of falling. Cognitive function: Yoga involves deliberate movement of the body, and this in one way involves the brain and can enhance its functioning. Yoga practice can enhance memory, focused attention and information processing speed, which help the brain in its functioning. Stress reduction: Yoga includes controlled breathing and relaxation to reduce stress levels that may persist in elderly persons. Lower stress levels positively affect mental, psychological, and in some cases even physical well-being by decreasing the number of diseases caused by stress. Pain management: Arthritis, back pain and any other chronic pain are common in older adults, but yoga can provide relief through gentle stretching and strengthening. Daily exercise helps in eradicating pain in a person experiencing arthritis or backache. Anti-ageing: Certain yoga practices generate heat in the body which helps in improving circulation and metabolism and promotes skin health and overall rejuvenation for older people. Surya Bhedana Pranayama if done regularly can assist the person in controlling the stress factor and thereby can prove beneficial in anti-ageing. Sleep Management: Elderly people mostly experience sleep disorders. Meditation principles followed in yoga include relaxation and stress reduction, thus enhancing sleep quality and developing good sleep habits. Also read: Explained: Is forgetfulness a key indicator of Alzheimer's disease? Experts tell when to seek help Some elderly people need to exercise caution before adopting yoga into their daily practices. Here are some considerations for older individuals who may need to approach yoga practice with care or avoid certain aspects altogether: ● Individuals with very severe osteoporosis should not perform forward bends or twisting movements in yoga since these movements are likely to cause fractures. A yoga instructor who is experienced with osteoporosis patients can guide the changes to make. ● People who underwent recent joint surgery should avoid excessive stress on the replaced joint. ● While some yoga exercises may transitory increase blood pressure, some forms of pranayama or breathing exercises are strenuous as well. Therefore, those with uncontrolled hypertension should seek medical advice before practising yoga and can opt for moderate exercise. ● People with severe cognitive impairment may have difficulty following instructions or practising yoga poses safely. Yoga therapy or yoga exercise programs customized for the elderly with such needs by professional yoga trainers may be more suitable. Speaking exclusively to WION, Dr Alok Rai (Sr. Consultant - Pre & Post Surgical, Ergonomics & Sports Rehab Specialist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore) says, "Yoga, when practised as part of daily activities or several times a week can greatly improve the quality of life among the elderly by tackling physical challenges and disorders as well as mental issues. However, it is essential to remember that if one has a medical ailment or disease, yoga should be commenced after seeking advice from a doctor." Yoga can be modified according to the abilities of the person, which makes it an excellent option for senior citizens. One of the best ways is to do yoga under the guidance of a certified instructor, who would customise asanas as per individual’s needs.

Yoga for healthy ageing: Benefits and precautions | International Day of Yoga 2024

Every year on June 21, the world unites to celebrate International Yoga Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the ancient Indian practice of yoga and its manifold benefits for physical and mental well-being. For this year 2024, it marks the 10th celebration of International Yoga Day since its inception in 2015. Watch in for more details!

10th edition of International Day of Yoga