International Yoga Day 2024: 5 Things to Know About Practising Asanas Daily at Home – Expert Speaks!

Yoga – this is one of the oldest tricks in the book that does not only help in healing of the body physically but also invites the feeling of attaining that ‘zen’. Yoga is for the body and soul and when inculcated as a regular practises in everyday life, it can help go a long way. For a vast majority of people, yoga usually centres on the asana practice and pranayama (breathwork). But this perception only scratches the surface of what yoga truly is and offers the body, mind, and spirit. We see yoga as a powerhouse practice for wellbeing. It has been a profoundly transformative mind-body journey that has led to greater self-awareness and expanded my consciousness.

On International Yoga Day, let us delve deeper into the true essence of yoga and living a yogic lifestyle. In order to better comprehend the length and breath of this practise, India.com got in an exclusive conversation with Prakriti Poddar, Global Head, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Roundglass Living App. According Ms.Poddar, “Many people may not be aware, but Patanjali’s seminal Yoga Sutras mention eight pillars or limbs of yoga. These include yama (moral disciplines), niyama (positive habits and attitudes), and dhyana (meditation) in addition to asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathing exercises). In simpler terms, living a yogic life extends far beyond the mat, and influences all our thoughts and actions.

5 Essential Tips to Start Yoga at Home

The simplest effort  is to begin the practise from home. To practice it at home and understand yoga in its most authentic form, Prakriti suggested to follow these simple tips:

1. Eat mindfully: Yoga recommends a diet that supports personal and spiritual growth. Focus on cooking and consuming food mindfully by engaging all your senses and using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
2. Develop a routine: Try to wake up, eat, and sleep at the same time every day. Creating a consistent schedule will help you cultivate self-discipline.
3. Stay active: If you can’t take time out for daily asana practice, try doing sookshma yoga or subtle yoga. These relaxing micro-exercises take up minimal time and can be done anywhere. Examples include rotating your feet, neck, and eyes; opening and closing your mouth; and performing gentle stretches to increase blood circulation, remove stiffness in your joints, and open energy blockages. Try it first thing in the morning if you wake up feeling stiff or groggy.
4. Live more mindfully: Practice staying in the moment by intentionally focusing on what you are doing, experiencing, or thinking. For example, if you go for a morning walk draw your attention to the sights, sounds and smells around you – for example dew on the plants, the chirping of birds, other walkers sharing the moment with you etc.
5. Be authentic: Practising satya or being true to ourselves is one of five yamas recommended by Patanjali in Yoga Sutras. Being honest and authentic helps us foster a better relationship with our selves. It helps us see who we really are, beyond our emotions and our reaction to them.

This International Yoga Day, let us make an effort to understand and practise yoga in its entirety, including intangible, unseen but equally relevant practices.