Four Easy Asanas to do on Yoga Day 2022
Today year marks the eighth annual celebration of the International Day of Yoga. Passed down for thousands of years and a living relic of ancient Indian culture, Yoga has a long and colourful history that goes back to the Vedic age. The United Nations General Assembly in 2015 officially recognised June 21 as Yoga Day upon the suggestion of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The day was chosen as it coincides with the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere, a day that is typically associated with spiritual significance in many parts of the world.
Yoga can be beneficial in more ways than one in the life of a student. Practising yoga every day can help you stay fit, improve your mental health, help you focus and therefore study better, and generally improve your overall well-being. Yoga time can also turn into a group activity by practising it with your family.
As we celebrate International Day of Yoga today, let’s roll out your yoga mats and get started with these asanas!
Salute to the Sun – Surya Namaskara
Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar is an exercise of 12 asanas that are inspired by the sun’s movements and combined with rhythmic breathing.
Benefits: Surya Namaskar is a great warm-up exercise. It helps you stretch your entire body and move every joint and major muscles. The smooth transition between the asanas will help you concentrate better. After completion of each round, you will notice how relaxed and happy you feel.
Legs up the wall
- Lay on your back and lift your legs up to 90 degrees towards the ceiling. If you are against a wall, gently rest your legs against the wall.
- Open your arms wide and gently rest them on the floor on either side of your body.
- Hold this position for as long as you are comfortable. Breath normally.
- When you are ready, roll to your right side and rest there for a couple of minutes.
- Then gently roll yourself up to a sitting position.
Benefits: Legs up the wall pose is a great way to relax. It helps with blood circulation and calms your nerves.
Bicycle or Running Pose
- Lie on your back and place your hands on the sides of your body.
- Bend your knees and bring them closer to your chest.
- Slowly start circling your legs one after another as if you are riding a bicycle or running.
Benefits: This asana is very beneficial to your chest, lower back, and your thigh muscles.
Breathe In, Breathe Out!
- Place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly. Experiment with which hand feels best for you. Once you have figured that out, come to stillness.
- Close your eyes softly. Now take a slow deep breath through your nose, filling up your lungs, then your belly. Observe how your ribs expand.
- Hold your breath and count to five.
- Then slowly exhale everything out.
Benefits: This slow breathing exercise is loaded with benefits. It helps you calm your mind, makes you more observant and deep breathing gives you a full boost of energy!
Yoga is good for your body, mind, and soul. So start practising every day. And while you’re at it, don’t rush! Take it slow and enjoy the journey!
Which one is your favourite asana? Tell us in the comments below.