Nikita Neupane

The 'new normal' that we are adopting by working from home, attending classes and seminars, and staying in isolation while the threat of the novel coronavirus has led to the feeling of loneliness and anxiety in most of our lives. By now, it is quite clear that loneliness and stress are the factors triggering depression. The pandemic has left many people depressed and paranoid. This might be due to changes in lifestyles and excessive use of social media.
Despite the availability of a vastly improvised healthcare system across the globe, the rate of depression and anxiety is found to be alarmingly high these days. The act of self-isolation has eventually deteriorated the mental health and wellbeing of many. Yoga has always been a great tool for people struggling with feelings of loneliness and anxiety to prevent or overcome their vulnerable state of mind, as it boosts their mood and health. It not only provides physical benefits but is also an anti-depressant remedy that can boost mental wellbeing.
Many of the yoga practices are handy in helping people fight anxiety and depression. This can explain why people of today’s world are slightly inclined towards yoga and meditation. Owing to the threat of COVID-19, many gyms and fitness centres are either closed or are operating with a few customers. Amid this scenario, yoga has become a significant alternative to gyms and other fitness centres.
As stress is often regarded as a factor leading to depression, the effectiveness of yoga derives from its proven ability to allow the release of stress lowering the levels of cortisol. Yoga has always been part of recovery restoring inner balance, no matter whatever disease one suffers from. For our body to deeply relax and be calm at the cellular level, a shift needs to be created. This is possible only through practices like yoga which emphasises deep restful breathing, thereby calming our mind and body.
Experts say that learning breathing and skills to control it have a wide range of effects on our mental health. As we are aware of the fact that COVID-19 hits our respiratory tract causing breathing problems, several breathing exercises like Pranayama, including Anulom Vilom, should be done to strengthen our respiratory system.
Yoga teaches us an art of self-study, be it our mental or physical state. This art helps us in finding clarity in other aspects of life like our relationships, work, and the ability to set aside time for ourselves. Yoga is like a moving meditation that keeps us calm and relaxed, giving us the strength to deal with challenges without being anxious and getting stressed.
However, yoga is not a panacea. But it certainly has a profound effect on mental health and fitness. It is also beneficial for improving the sleeping patterns, preventing post-traumatic distresses, disorders and alcohol dependence. Anyone can embrace yoga. Because of its magnificent benefits for mental as well as physical health, yoga should be included in primary-level curricula. Parents and teachers should encourage children to adopt yoga because at the end of the day being physically fit and mentally sound is all that we seek for.