By Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga on June 21 – a global celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of practising yoga.
Proposed by India in 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga through resolution 69/131, recognizing yoga's universal appeal.
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice originating in India. The Sanskrit word 'yoga' means 'to unite,' symbolizing the harmony between body and consciousness. Today, yoga is practised worldwide in various forms and continues to grow in popularity.
The 2024 theme, ‘Yoga for Self and Society’, encapsulates yoga’s transformative essence – the unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment. Mindful breathing, meditation, and gentle movement calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and cultivate inner peace. Regular practise fosters mental well-being and emotional resilience.
Yoga is more than just a form of exercise. Developing mind–body awareness enables resolving imbalances at their source for long-term well-being. Yoga also nurtures self-control, mindfulness, and experiential learning in self-awareness techniques, therapeutic approaches and assessment abilities.
In our stress-laden world, yoga provides a holistic stress-reduction approach, offering tools to overcome inner turmoil and restore balance and serenity. Research highlights yoga’s mental and physical health benefits:
- stress reduction
- anxiety relief via deep breathing and mindfulness
- adjunct therapy for depression management
- lower back pain relief by improving spinal flexibility and core strength
- enhanced overall quality of life
- stimulated brain function, memory and focus
- heart disease prevention by managing risk factors such as hypertension
- improved physical fitness, flexibility, strength, balance and weight management.
Whether for fitness, stress relief or holistic wellness, consistency is key when practising yoga's versatile aspects.
On this International Day of Yoga, let us commit to incorporating this ancient practice into our daily lives.