-by Smt Meetal Koticha Shah, Joint Executive Trustee & CEO – Project ‘Life’ & Senior Vice-Chairperson, Gujarat State Chapter
Most essential, yet customarily second-prioritized aspect of human life – wellbeing – is hardly ever nurtured by fleeting doses of medication or weekend escapes; or eluding engagements.
The age-old discipline Yoga delivers time-tested and inclusive restoration to enduring state of health and harmony.
For Yoga to effectively entail its healing power, its practice must become customary rather than sporadic; it must be interweaved into circadian life rhythm, way beyond being a random hobby or weekly occasion. It needs to be an indispensable lifestyle regime, much equitable to daily routines. Only when so cultivated, Yoga changes, impacts and transforms life.
Performing Yoga habitually assimilates its benefits over time into physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing; perpetually manifesting:
- Improved Physical Health
Yoga enhances flexibility, tones muscles, improves posture, and boosts stamina; supporting joint health, stimulating internal organs, augmenting blood circulation and inculcating vigour, energy and agility. - Strengthened Respiratory System
Pranayama (breathing technique), the heart of Yoga, practised consistently, improves lung capacity, enhances oxygen intake, and balances the nervous system, increasing alertness and vitality. - Enhanced Mental Clarity and Emotional Stability
Yoga reduces the stress hormone ‘cortisol’ and, thus, calms the mind, and cultivates inner stillness; its daily practice enhancing focus, memory and emotional resilience, begetting calm responses to life’s challenges. - Better Sleep and Digestion
Regular Yoga practice normalises digestive system and promotes deeper, restful sleep. Yoga poses like Vajrasana, Pawanmuktasana and forward bends gently stimulate internal organs and reduce bloating and acidity. - Augmented Mindfulness and Inner Discipline
Integrating breath, movement, and mindfulness, Yoga nurtures self-awareness which translates into conscious choices in behavioural responses, internal, external and intellectual.
Embracing Yoga as a life custom is not merely about discipline, it is about amalgamating right environment, positive mind set and perceptive regularity for it to become a truly evolving life strength.
The process is simpler than it sounds:
- Starting small and simple
There is no ideal beginning, no perfect day, no perfect gear. Beginning with 10–15 minutes of practice, basic postures and simple breathing exercises in a short session can elevate the entire day. - Setting a specific time schedule
Efficacy interlaces with scheduling. Mornings are ideal as the mind is fresh and the energy levels are high, however, consistency in timing – morning, afternoon or evening—is the key. - Creating a conducive space
A quiet, clean, and clutter-free designated space for Yoga practice builds a physical bond with Yoga, making it easier to achieve a mindful state. A mat, a candle, a small idol or plant can make the space inviting, invigorating. - Choosing a sequence
Instead of overwhelming complex routines, short and enjoyable set of poses afford easier acceptance which, over time, can be progressed with variations. Loving and enjoying the custom creates enthusiasm and eagerness to practice every day. - Using reminders and rewards
Setting reminders on phone, daily planner or writing in a journal can be highly motivating. Upon a consistently successful week of practice, self-rewarding with a favourite cup of herbal tea or a healthy treat can enliven the spirit and meaning of Yoga. - Onboarding support and community engagement
Joining a class, group, or online Yoga community, having peers or a teacher for guidance can increase fellowship and can be very inspirational. Attending a weekend Yoga retreat or workshop can also heighten interest and commitment. - Being flexible and forgiving
Life happens. Feeling tired or short on time on some days is not unusual in today’s humdrum. Instead of skipping practice, modifying the routine, opting for a shorter session or focusing on relaxation poses and deep breathing can serve the consistency well rather than a complete break. Essential aptitude is to not let the quest for perfection become adversary to consistency.
Yoga is more a way of living. Daily practice gradually reshapes attitudes, habits, and mindset, rendering conscious understanding and acceptance of moderation in life choices :
Food : Preferring fresh, wholesome, and sattvic meals
Emotional responses : Responding instead of reacting
Relationships : Cultivating compassion and patience
Consumption : Reducing waste and choosing simplicity
Yoga, embraced passionately, becomes a life-value; rooted in balance, awareness, and peace, way greater than merely a routine chore. It becomes a way to live and a pathway to return and find inner self.
Integrating Yoga into daily life is one of the most powerful investments one can make—for rejuvenating mind, body and soul. The self-transformation may be gradual, but nonetheless profound and enduring.
There’s never a better day than today! So let us begin, regardless of age, gender, disposition, physique or fitness. The journey begins with a single breath, a single stretch, and the persistence to return tomorrow.
“Yoga is journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” – Bhagavad Gita