Celebrated on 21st June each year, International Yoga Day, is a global event dedicated to the practice and benefits of yoga that integrates the body, mind, spirit, and soul, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being.
This year marks the 10th International Day of Yoga that was first recognized by the United Nations in 2014.
The word, Yoga, an ancient discipline that originated in India over 5,000 years ago means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
It integrates physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and ethical guidelines (yamas and niyamas) to create a balanced life as it aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit, thereby promoting overall health and wellness.
The United Nations resolution notes the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.
In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as mental illness, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.
Yoga offers numerous benefits which include:
- Physical Health:Improved flexibility, strength, posture, respiratory, and cardiovascular function.
- Mental Health:Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, with increased mental clarity and focus.
- Emotional Balance:Greater stability and inner peace.
- Spiritual Growth:A deeper connection with oneself and a sense of purpose. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.
On this International Yoga Day, Kenyans are being urged to incorporate yoga into their daily lives to reap its numerous benefits.
The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga with this year’s theme “ Yoga for self and society”.
