Yoga Vidya Niketan (YVN), Member Institute of Indian Yoga Association successfully conducted its annual one-month Yoga Summer Course from May 1 to May 31, 2024. The course ran for one and a half hours daily across 41 physical centers around Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, extending…
– by YogaRathna Dr T Gargi Urmila
Yoga is known to have positive effects on mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The combination of physical postures, breath control, and meditation in yoga can promote relaxation and enhance overall well-being. Regular practice may contribute to improved mood and better stress management.
Mind and body have a deeper connection. In order to live healthy, we have to keep our mind good!
Mental health: it is us, and we are it! Symbiosis of our emotional, psychological, and social aspects of our lives. It affects how we think, feel, and act, as well as how we handle stress, make choices and relate to others.
तं विद्याद् दु:खसंयोगवियोगं योगसञ्ज्ञितम् |
स निश्चयेन योक्तव्यो योगोऽनिर्विण्णचेतसा || BG 6.23 ||
taṁ vidyād duḥkha-sanyoga-viyogaṁ yogasaṅjñitam
sa niśhchayena yoktavyo yogo ’nirviṇṇa-chetasā
The detachment of miseries or dukkha from mind is known as Yoga. This Yoga should be resolutely practiced with determination free from pessimism.
World Health Organization says Mental Health – “state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”
In order to attain positive psychological states (Chitta bhumis from Kshipta to Niruktha) and coping mechanisms (through Eight limbs of Yoga) self-knowledge is important along with vairagya.
SELF-KNOWLEDGE
Corporate always say “do SWOT” of yourself and Corporate” (short for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats in 1960) analysis –
Helps you to understand your strengths and opportunities as well as your business’s – you visualize everything you know and don’t know about
यतो मन: ततो भाव:
Yatho Manah thatho Bhaava | NaatyaVeda
Where the Mind goes, the Emotions are generated
Not to permit the mind to go where it wants, but employ it for good thoughts and acts, this is wisdom.
Wisdom is a weapon to ward off destruction; it is an inner fortress not only external enemies but also Internal enemy kama, kroda, moha, loba, mada, matsarya can be won.
Gratitude(KrutagjnA) is the tool of knowledge that protects against destruction that cannot be plundered by the enemy. He who has everything without trembling, fear or apprehension is wise.
Dharma is a treasure everywhere. Even during adversities one could be saved only through knowledge by following the
Dharmic path. Then one gets Vairagyam by arresting such oscillations of Mind.
Daily Regimen Mental Health
Yoga makes one physically active through yogasana – byproducts of lifting our moods Eg: release of endropins, dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin
Intake of healthy food – Reducing Anxiety and Stress
Eg: Lack of Vit. B12 can lead to depression
Sleep – Quality of sleep is important, Mind can be calm and be energised to act on work; decrease temperament
Managing Stress – Situations to be managed without getting disturbed.
Good Relationships – Build Trust, Share and Care
scipline is the foundation upon which success in every field is built.
Having a Routine – Engaging Mind
Eg: Learning something new
Volunteering – Feel good about ourselves
Practising Gratitude – For what we have. Changes the perspective of life
Personal Time – Take a Break
Eg: Use hobbies
Relaxation Techniques – Prayer, Meditation, Mindfulness
Get help when you need – Seek professional help
Avoid Substance Use – like Alcohol
मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः ।
बन्धाय विषयासक्तं मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं स्मृतम् ॥
mana eva manuṣyāṇāṃ kāraṇaṃ bandhamokṣayoḥ ।
bandhāya viṣayāsaktaṃ muktyai nirviṣayaṃ smṛtam ॥ Amirta Bindhu Upanishad
Mind is the only cause for taking birth in this planet and to get liberation.
