On the occasion of International Yoga Day on June 21, millions of people across the world come together to take part in various yoga events. Yoga is known to immensely benefit the mind, body and spirit. Whether a beginner or a pro, here’s why yoga should be a part of your routine too.

“Yoga means addition – addition of energy, strength and beauty to body, mind and soul.”

                                                                                                  – Amit Ray, author

As a student, the start of a new academic year opens doors to many activities. You have new lessons to study, new concepts to master and new goals to set among other things. How about beginning this new school year with a practice that not only guarantees you good physical health but also keeps you mentally fit? Yes, we are talking about yoga.     

 Fact: The history of yoga dates back to 5,000 years. It was first mentioned in the sacred text of Rig Veda.

Here’s how you can get started!

Put on your track pants, stretch your limbs, and spread your mat. Take deep breaths and relax. It’s time for yoga!

Adho Mukha Svanasana (pyramid pose)

Benefits

• Energises and rejuvenates the mind and body.

• Strengthens the arms, legs, feet, and shoulders.

Badhakonasana (butterfly pose)

Benefits

• Restores and calms your mind.

• Relieves stress.

• Stretches the hips and inner thighs.

Bhujangasana (snake pose)

Benefits

• Awakens the body and increases the body heat.

• Increases flexibility.

• Strengthens the spine, shoulders, and arms.

Vrikshasana (unicorn pose)

Benefits

• Tones the arms and leg muscles.

• Helps improve body balance.

• Increases stamina.

Uttanasana (standing forward bend pose)

Benefits

• Improves digestion.

• Rejuvenates the mind and relaxes the nerves.

• Strengthens thighs and knees.

Paschimottanasana (seated forward bending pose)

Benefits

• Stretches the spine, shoulders, and hamstrings.

• Stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and the uterus.

• Improves digestion.

Sukhasana (lotus pose)

Benefits

• Calms the mind.

• Helps in improving body posture.

• Smoothens your cerebrum.

These simple and easy yoga postures will help you in many ways. Remember, it’s not how many postures you complete, but it’s about getting the postures right. So make sure you follow the instructions while practising yoga.

Tanaya Goswami

Books are Tanaya Goswami’s first love and cheesecakes come a close second. Talking about movies, music, calligraphy, politics, and Elon Musk will get you listed under the friends’ section of her diary. Ever since moving on from her job as an English lecturer, she spends her time at BYJU’S crafting stories filled with emotion and sprinkled with sarcasm. Outside of work, she’s either learning something new (French, most recently!) or is curled up with a book and a cup of coffee. She firmly believes that discovering what you don’t know is the key to knowledge and is constantly working towards improving herself.
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