Highlights:
- The theme for International Day of Yoga 2023 is ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘Yoga for the Welfare of All as One World-One Family.’
- This article will help you explore the wide-ranging benefits of practising yoga. From improving mental health and flexibility to reducing stress and preventing diseases, yoga is known for enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.
International Day of Yoga 2023, which falls on June 21 each year, will be celebrated with the theme ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘Yoga for the Welfare of All as One World-One Family.’ Proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in 2014, this day aims to honour the ancient practice of yoga and raise awareness about its numerous benefits. Since its inception in 2015, the International Day of Yoga has been observed with great enthusiasm annually.
Theme Of International Day Of Yoga 2023
The theme for this year is ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘Yoga for the Welfare of All as One World-One Family.’ This theme emphasizes yoga as a unifying force connecting individuals and promoting unity and harmony.
Importance of yoga
Yoga is more than just physical activity, it incorporates 8 major aspects of well-being, also popularly called ”Ashtanga Yog.” Ashtanga yoga encompasses ethical principles, self-discipline, physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), concentration, meditation, and the state of ultimate liberation or enlightenment (Samadhi). Here are some notable benefits of engaging in yoga asanas (poses):
- Mental Health Improvement: By regulating breathing patterns, yoga can contribute to better mental well-being and aid in managing symptoms of depression, as indicated by studies.
- Increased Flexibility: Yoga enhances overall physical health, with flexibility being a crucial component. Practising various yoga poses can improve flexibility for individuals of all ages.
- Stress Reduction: Uncontrolled stress can have detrimental effects on health. Thankfully, yoga includes specific poses that are particularly effective in managing stress.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Yoga improves both mental and physical health, promoting strength, better sleep, improved immunity, pain management, and ultimately enhancing one’s overall quality of life.
- Alleviation of Aches and Pains: Certain yoga poses offer natural relief for pain and chronic aches.
- Boosts Cardiovascular Health: With the rising incidence of heart disease, yoga is a vital tool for maintaining a healthy heart.
- Strengthened Bones and Joints: Aging often leads to weakened bones and joints, but regular yoga practices can help maintain their strength.
- Weight Management: Like other forms of exercise, yoga can aid in weight loss by burning calories and targeting specific muscles when combined with a proper diet.
- Promotion of Calmness: Improved breathing patterns, reduced stress, and enhanced mental well-being achieved through yoga contribute to a calm state for the body, reducing overall physical and mental stress.
- Disease Prevention: Yoga fosters overall health and supports the well-being of organs, thereby reducing the risk of various diseases.
If you have yet to experience the benefits of yoga, take advantage of International Day of Yoga 2023 as an opportunity to get started on your yoga journey.
Read | 40 Best Youtubers in India Who Have Inspired Many
