INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

Every year on June 21, International Day of Yoga raises awareness about the benefits of this mind and body practice. Today, we are encouraging people around the world to engage in Yoga to experience the healthy benefits of this zen activity.

#InternationalDayOfYoga

The word yoga means to unite or to join. Yoga symbolizes the union of body and consciousness, a philosophy that originated in India about 5,000 years ago. The original goals of yoga were to promote spiritual growth and to learn to master one's  physical and mental body. Today, two billion people around the world do yoga, some in the form of exercise, and others to relieve stress. Unsurprisingly, they have all discovered the health benefits of yoga, which attributes to the growing popularity of yoga.

9 Benefits of Yoga

  1. Improves flexibility

  2. Builds muscle strength

  3. Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown

  4. Increases blood flow

  5. Lowers blood pressure

  6. Regulates adrenal glands

  7. Improves balance

  8. Prevents some digestive problems

  9. Eases pain

One should consider the different types of yoga for those who want to give yoga a try. For example, Vinyasa yoga focuses on different postures and is the most athletic of all yoga styles. During Yin yoga, participants practice in seated postures and hold positions for longer periods of time. For a more meditative yoga, Anusara yoga focuses on the mind-body-heart connection.

Prenatal yoga is geared toward moms to be. Expectant moms practice prenatal yoga because it concentrates on pelvic floor exercises and breathing. A more modern type of yoga is called goat yoga. And yes, it’s practiced in the presence of goats.

Each type of yoga incorporates different poses and postures that spiritual significance. Some of the most popular poses include Anjali mudra (the posture for prayer), mountain, tree, cobra, happy baby, downward-facing dog, and Savasana.

HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

International Day of Yoga encourages yoga practitioners and studios around the world to hold family-friendly yoga classes. And many do! They host them in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations. Some of these yoga events schedule vendors, food trucks, and workshops, too. Here are a few other recommendations for you to participate in today's National Day:

  1. Attend a yoga event in your community.

  2. Learn about the different types of yoga.

  3. Buy a new yoga mat or some new yoga pants.

  4. Try a new style of yoga you’ve never done before.

  5. Watch a movie that features yoga and meditation, such as Kumare, Nobody’s Trip to Nowhere, or Living Yoga.

To help spread awareness for this day, share your favorite yoga pose on social media with #InternationalDayOfYoga.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA HISTORY

In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India proposed the draft resolution for International Day of Yoga. Recognizing the universal appeal of Yoga, 175 member states endorsed the resolution. On December 11, 2014, the UN proclaimed June 21 as International Day of Yoga as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.