DR S SELVALAKSHMI
Yoga brings its own flavour and benefits to the table, which can be performed by people of all ages, and provides anyone with a holistic sense of health, which is especially required during this pandemic time.
Immunity booster for mind and body
Yoga is not only beneficial for the body but also for the mind. It helps to improve blood flow and in building mind clarity. During this ongoing coronavirus pandemic, when all are bound to live a restricted life under the constant fear of infection risks, it is natural for anyone to develop anxiety. The continuous flow of negative news, the inadequacy of daily resources, everything is adding to this growing anxiety and depression. Being confined at home for such long periods of time can be mentally challenging for all. When the mind is flooded with the uncertainty of the future, one often experiences sleepless nights causing fatigue. Many are unable to relax their mind during this time thereby increasing the stress on their minds. At this juncture, it is important to understand that mental health is very important for survival. To help with this growing level of anxiety and depression, one must lead a healthy lifestyle by practicing yoga at home.
The advantages of practising yoga
Continuous anxiety or stress can manifest many health conditions such as high blood pressure, muscle tension, breathing issues, etc. Stress is the element that triggers our sympathetic nervous system causing all these health issues and, in such situation, yoga can help to stay calm. The posture and asanas of yoga help to reduce muscle tension, joint issues and relax the sympathetic system, resulting in a relaxed mind. There are a lot of yoga poses which help to manage the blood pressure level and anxiety. Yoga also teaches one how to regulate the breathe, which can make a person feel relaxed and at peace.
Yoga during the pandemic – need of the hour
Immunity-boosting Yoga practices to do at home and to strengthen the lungs during this Coronavirus pandemic:
- Vrikshasana or tree pose
- Setubandhasana or the Bridge Pose
- Bhujangasana or Cobra pose
- Dhanurasana or Bow pose
- Paschimottanasana or seated forward-bend
- Ujjayi Breathing – the focus is on taking breaths through the base of the throat, thereby instructing the lungs to increase the intake of oxygen.
- Kapalbhati: Kapalbhati helps clear the air passage ways. It also increases the level of oxygen in your body, thereby increasing its immunity against diseases
- NadiShodhan Pranayama: NadiShodhan or Alternate Nostril breathing technique is a simple pranayama which calms the mind. It is a good pre-meditation breathing exercise. Just do it for a few minutes and then let your mind meditate for 10-15 minutes.
Yoga exercises will not only strengthen the immunity system amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic but will also improve the lung capacity and help in breathing properly by removing toxins from the body, and keeping the respiratory tract free from any infection.
Conclusion
Yoga helps to build a strong physical, mental and spiritual health system in the most positive and meaningful way. When combined with breathing and meditation, it acts as the best element to take care of the mind, body and soul. There are different forms of yoga that can help to stay physically strong and mentally balanced. Just like a normal walk in the park or 30 minutes of hard-core gym exercising, Yoga brings its own flavour and benefits to the table, which can be performed by people of all ages, and provides anyone with a holistic sense of health, which is especially required during this pandemic time. Hence, to live through this lockdown & pandemic period, yoga is the best thing to adopt as a lifestyle habit.
(The author of this article is Dr. (Mrs) S. Selvalakshmi, Assistant Professor & Head i/c, Department of Yoga, Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University)
