Yoga is an ancient practice that started in India thousands of years ago. It involves physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga helps people improve their physical strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. By practicing yoga regularly, many find they can manage stress better, feel more focused, and live healthier lives.

Although yoga originated in India and is a part of the country’s cultural fabric, only about 12% of its total population practices yoga, according to a blog posted by Yogavidyaschool. This ancient practice, however, has seen immense growth and popularity worldwide. The global yoga industry is booming and is estimated to be worth more than $200 billion by 2025, up from approximately $90 billion today. This growth highlights how people around the world are recognizing and embracing the benefits of yoga. In this regard, Siddharth Mala, Correspondent, ObserveNow, engaged with experts in the yoga field to gain deeper insights and understand the significance of this day.

Yoga attracts a diverse group of practitioners. Interestingly, only about 20% of total yoga practitioners are between the ages of 18 and 29, suggesting that yoga is popular across various age groups, not just among the young. Additionally, about 72% of total practitioners worldwide are women. This statistic shows how yoga appeals particularly to women, who often find the practice beneficial for both physical health and stress relief.

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Highlighting the importance of this day Raman Mittal, Trained Meditation Teacher and Founder of Idanim quoted “Yoga is a very effective technique to manage stress and anxiety. When we say Yoga, people usually just think about different Asanas or postures to increase their strength and flexibility. But Yoga is so much more than that. I believe that Yoga is not just for physical fitness but it helps in one’s spiritual journey as well. It also teaches us how to focus on our breath to control the body and quieten the mind. Yoga exercises like Pranayama activate our parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a calm and relaxed state. With each mindful breath, one can feel the stress dissipate.”

“This International Yoga Day, let’s embrace the full spectrum of yoga practices, from physical postures to mindful breathing, to achieve a balanced and serene life” further stated Raman.

Yoga holds significant importance for corporate professionals, offering a myriad of benefits that enhance both their personal and professional lives. In the high-stress environment of the corporate world, yoga provides a powerful tool for managing stress, reducing anxiety, and improving overall mental well-being.

Emphasizing the importance of yoga for corporate professionals Dr. Dharmesh Shah, Founder & Director, Holistica World stated “Yoga is essential for corporate professionals facing high-stress and sedentary lifestyles. It offers a holistic approach to managing stress, improving physical health, and enhancing mental clarity. Regular practice reduces anxiety, improves focus, and boosts productivity. Asanas (postures) counteract prolonged sitting, relieving back pain and poor posture. Pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation calm the mind and enhance concentration. Incorporating mantra chanting and mudras (hand gestures) amplifies benefits, promoting inner peace and energy balance. Establishing a daily yoga routine in the workplace, and dedicating 10-15 minutes to these practices, fosters a culture of wellness, contributing to a healthier and more productive workforce, as seen in many Silicon Valley companies.”

Dr Shah further advised the following mentioned asana for corporate professionals, incorporating specific yoga asanas into their daily routine that can significantly improve their well-being:

Tadasana

Bhujangasana

Uttanasana

Virabhadrasana

Sukhasana

Adding to that Dr. Sushil Agrawal, M.B.D.O.M.S, Cataract & Lasik Surgeon, Geeta Eye Clinic & Surgical Centre stated “Considering the demanding and screen-centric lifestyles of corporate employees today, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize their eye health. Yoga exercises specifically designed for the eyes are known to alleviate strain and enhance optic nerve functionality.”

Dr Agarwal suggested the following techniques to maintain healthy vision:

20/20/20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a break, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Palm Rubbing: Warm your palms by rubbing them together, then place them over your closed eyes for relaxation and to relieve dryness.

Blinking Exercise: Blink rapidly 10 times, pause for 30 seconds, and repeat 5-7 times to refresh your eyes.

Controlled Eye Rolling: Roll your eyes in circles to stretch and strengthen eye muscles, improving circulation and flexibility.

Up-Down and Side-to-Side Movements: Move your eyes up and down, then side to side to enhance muscle flexibility and peripheral vision.

Circular Eye Movements: Make gentle circular motions with your eyes, first clockwise, then counterclockwise, to relax and rejuvenate them.

Focus Shifting: Focus on a small object at eye level without blinking, then close your eyes and visualize it to improve concentration and vision.

International Yoga Day is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the practice of yoga and its many benefits. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a beginner, this day is a reminder to take care of your physical and mental health. So, roll out your yoga mat, take a deep breath, and join millions of people around the world in celebrating International Yoga Day.