Practice of Yoga: What Is Your Relaxation Routine?
Wake up early, rush to work, then work, and work some more before going to sleep and repeating it all the next day. When do we press the stop button and take time to relax our mind, body, and soul? The practice of yoga is one of my favourite ways to relax and recharge. And on June 21, we celebrate the International Day of Yoga.
The Meaning of Yoga
The word yoga means union. It is often described as the union of body, mind, and consciousness. For this reason, yoga is considered much more than a physical exercise. It is a practice that aims to create balance, harmony, and well-being.
Traditional yoga philosophy teaches that harmony can be achieved by balancing opposite forces within ourselves. These forces are often represented by three qualities found in every person:
- Tamas – inactivity, darkness or inaction
- Rajas – activity, energy, and movement
- Sattva – balance, harmony, and clarity (harmony of both – Tamas and Rajas)
According to yoga philosophy, achieving balance between these qualities is one of the main goals of yoga practice. Over time, different branches of yoga have developed to support this goal:
- Hatha Yoga focuses on physical well-being and body awareness.
- Raja Yoga focuses on concentration and meditation.
- Karma Yoga focuses on action and daily work.
- Jnana Yoga focuses on knowledge and wisdom.
Today yoga is practiced around the world and is valued for its ability to support physical health, mental well-being, relaxation, and self-awareness.
*Source: Phulgenda Sinha, Yoga: Meaning, Values, and Practice
Why I Chose the Practice of Yoga
I was quite young. It was the end of secondary school when I started looking for an exercise community to join. A friend told me I could visit different types of group activities, such as yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and more, all for a very reasonable price in one place －my former primary school. I decided to give them a try and see which one would be the perfect fit for my lifestyle.
I still remember my first yoga class. The teacher was older, probably around 50 years old. But when she started stretching and demonstrating yoga poses, I was left open-mouthed! It was difficult for me to follow her. I watched her doing the splits and lifting her leg behind her head as if it were nothing more than a simple stretch. I was 19 years old, and it was hard for me to stay in a forward bend position!
“This is the kind of health I want to choose for myself－for life” From that day on, I felt that yoga was the perfect fit for my lifestyle. The only difference was that I preferred practicing at home because of my schedule.
Even though I became passionate about yoga at a young age, I wasn’t always consistent. Later, I moved away for my studies, and continuing to practice with the same community was no longer possible. After some time, I found an online yoga video and decided to continue my yoga journey. I liked the exercises from the very first moment.
Honestly, I wouldn’t want to watch my first yoga sessions. The exercises were not designed for beginners, so I skipped the parts that were too difficult. I had no idea where the relaxation part was supposed to be, and my body was shaking as if I had never exercised in my life!
The practice was extremely challenging at first. Somehow, it reminds me of marketing － it looks so simple and relaxing. Until you try it yourself…
Today, my yoga practice is still based on the same video and many of the same exercises. Only one thing has changed － I have become more consistent. I practice at least once a week and combine yoga with other sports and outdoor activities. The practice of yoga is not just exercise for me. It helps me stretch every muscle in my body, and over time it has become a true form of relaxation. Sometimes I can even meditate during my yoga practice.
At this point, I would really like to thank Helena Gregorc. This is not a PR or marketing message. Somehow she truly changed my life forever. Because of her video, yoga became part of my lifestyle. And yoga is so much more than exercise for me.
Practice of Yoga for an Active and Healthy Body
The practice of yoga can support harmony, balance, flexibility, health, a balanced lifestyle, stress prevention, mental peace, a positive mindset, and much more. Yoga should be kind to your body and never forced. With consistency and patience, you can achieve satisfying results. In her video, Helena Gregorc explains why the practice of yoga is beneficial for:
Practice of Yoga:
Vitality, creativity, and joy in life.
Practice of Yoga:
Sun Salutation, a universal exercise that stretches the joints, ligaments, and muscles throughout the entire body.
Practice of Yoga:
Strengthening the Navel Chakra, which may support relaxation and quality sleep.
Practice of Yoga:
Balance, flexibility, and strength.
Practice of Yoga:
Stress relief and harmony between mind and body.
“Every human being is searching for happiness. But happiness can only be found when you know how to control your world of thoughts.” － Helena Gregorc
Why Are We Celebrating the International Day of Yoga?
The practice of yoga is widely recognised for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Yoga originated in India and symbolises the union of body, mind, and consciousness.
The practice of yoga is universal and continues to be embraced by people around the world. On 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. The proposal was introduced by India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the one who proposed the idea. It was supported and endorsed by 175 UN Member States.
Today, the International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness of the many benefits that yoga can bring to our daily lives and overall well-being.
Practice of Yoga is Recommended by the World Health Organization
Yoga is a powerful form of exercise. The practice of yoga can improve physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. It may help prevent and manage noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
In addition, yoga has been shown to provide immediate psychological benefits by reducing stress and anxiety while increasing feelings of emotional and social well-being. It can help lower heart rate and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which supports relaxation.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Yoga can contribute to achieving and maintaining that well-being through regular physical activity, mindfulness, and relaxation.
WHO encourages schools, workplaces, civil society organizations, and communities to consider incorporating yoga into their daily activities. You can learn more from their article, Yoga for Humanity.
Today, we celebrate the International Day of Yoga, and I am curious: how many of you are yoga enthusiasts, and how many have tried it at least once?
What do you think? Could the practice of yoga become part of your lifestyle? Leave your comments below. 😉
*Sources:
- Phulgenda Sinha, Yoga: Meaning, Values, and Practice (e-Book)
- Helena Gregorc; Yoga in Everyday Life (Video)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- United Nation (UN)
WHAT DOES YOGA MEAN?
The word yoga means union. It is often described as the union of body, mind, and consciousness. Yoga aims to create balance, harmony, and well-being through physical practice, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
WHAT ARE PRACTICE OF YOGA BENEFITS ?
The practice of yoga can support flexibility, balance, strength, relaxation, and overall well-being. It may also help reduce stress and anxiety while encouraging a more positive and mindful lifestyle.
IS YOGA SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?
Yes. Yoga can be practiced by people of different ages and exercise levels. Beginners can start with simple exercises and gradually progress at their own pace. The most important part of yoga is consistency rather than perfection.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PRACTICE YOGA?
There is no singe rule. Even practicing once a week can bring benefits when done consistently. The key is to find a routine that fits your lifestyle and that you can maintain over time.
DO I NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE TO START YOGA?
Not at all. Many people start yoga to improve their flexibility. Progress comes gradually through practice, patience, and consistency.
WHY DO PEOPLE PRACTICE YOGA?
People practice yoga for many different reasons, including physical fitness, relaxation, sttress relief, mindfulness, balance, and overall well-being. For many practitioners, yoga becomes much more than exercise－it becomes part of their lifestyle.
CAN YOGA HELP REDUCE STRESS?
Yes. Yoga combines movement, breathing techniques, and mindfulness, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Many people practice yoga to improve their mental well-being and create a sense of balance in their daily lives.
IS YOGA ONLY ABOUT PHYSICAL EXERCISE?
No. While yoga includes physical postures and movement, it is often described as a practice that connects body, mind, and consciousness. For many people, yoga also supports relaxation, self-awareness, and personal growth.
Read more about my lifestyle here: