The word “yoga” has its origins in ancient Sanskrit. The root word is “yuj,” which means “to unite.” Yoga signifies the union of the individual self with the universal consciousness or the merging of the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of a
New Delhi: On this International Yoga Day, let’s focus on women’s health. Women are the foundation of society, and it’s important for them to stay mentally and physically healthy. When the women in our homes are healthy, it positively impacts the family, society, and country as a whole.
Today’s women juggle multiple roles, including work, family, and personal responsibilities, leading to high levels of stress and anxiety. Whether they are pursuing careers or managing homes, the challenges they face can cause various health issues. They perform multiple roles, managing work, household responsibilities, and caregiving. This can lead to stress, fatigue, and a lack of time for self-care. Physical health issues like back pain, hormonal imbalances, and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression are common among women. Addressing these issues is essential for women to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Let’s explore how yoga can strengthen and support women’s health.
Here’s how yoga can empower our women:
● Physical Strength and Flexibility: Regular practice of yoga enhances physical strength and flexibility, which can help women manage daily tasks more efficiently and reduce the risk of injury.
● Mental Clarity and Calmness: Yoga promotes mental clarity and calmness through meditation and controlled breathing techniques. This helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, enabling women to handle challenges with a balanced mind.
● Emotional Resilience: Yoga encourages mindfulness, allowing women to process emotions more effectively and develop resilience against life’s ups and downs.
● Spiritual Growth: Yoga fosters a deeper connection with oneself and promotes spiritual growth, which can enhance a woman’s sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Certain yoga poses are recommended for women’s better health
● Mountain Pose (Tadasana): This pose helps improve posture, balance, and focus. Standing tall in mountain pose encourages confidence and a sense of grounding, which is empowering.
● Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana): This powerful stance strengthens the legs, opens the hips, and builds stamina. It symbolizes strength and determination, qualities that are essential for empowerment.
● Child’s Pose (Balasana): This resting pose gently stretches the back and calms the mind. It provides a safe space for introspection and emotional release, promoting mental peace.
● Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): This pose strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstrings while opening the chest. It helps alleviate stress and stimulates the thyroid, balancing hormones.
● Tree Pose (Vrikshasana): Balancing on one foot in tree pose improves concentration and stability. It represents growth and stability, empowering women to find balance in their lives.
● Corpse Pose (Savasana): Often practiced at the end of a yoga session, this pose involves lying still and focusing on the breath. It encourages deep relaxation and mindfulness, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity.
With constant practice, one can achieve overall physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Persistent practice can build strength, and improve flexibility, and a peaceful mindset needed for an empowered life. On this International Yoga Day, let us remind all women around us that they have infinite potential that they can harness using yoga. Let us encourage more women to take up yoga and experience the holistic health. Priya Juyal (Yogini.mom) is a yoga practitioner and wellness healer. You can connect with her online.