July 10, 2020 |
Read Time: 6 minutes
The coronavirus pandemic has been a game changer in almost every way of our lives and patterns of thinking. This is not a disease that can be dealt with the usual way, – perhaps going to a doctor, taking some pills, or if more serious spending a few days in hospital. This pandemic has questioned the very nature of all our habits – eating habits, exercise routines, our work, and our daily lives at all levels thereby questioning our lives at the levels of Ahara (food), Vihara (lifestyle), Vichara (thoughts) and Vyavahara (work / occupation) .
One of the main purposes of the ancient science of Yoga, is that it can be effectively utilised by all humans to function at their highest most optimum possible level. And, during these challenging times, Yoga becomes extremely important and necessary for us to practice appropriately to function at our possible best so as to come out of these challenging times unscathed and stronger.
So many different challenges have been faced by us during the Covid 19 pandemic. Job loss, ill health, panic and fear of the unknown, being separated from loved ones, loss of loved ones, and many more challenges. And all yoga centres and gyms have been closed by the government until further notifications until there is more control over the virus spread and it is safe for you to go back to these places for your daily exercise or yoga practice.
Lock downs and social distancing have caused loneliness and depression and this could also make us indulge in stress eating. When we are stressed, the ability to digest becomes very poor and sluggish. Therefore stress eating becomes very harmful to us. Yoga introduces the concept of building strength, both in mind and all parts and organs of our body to fight this stressful situation, by practicing –
- Asanas to keep the body healthy and in a good shape.
- Pranayama to improve the lung function and metabolism rates
- Meditation to fight stress and depression and keep our mind steady during these turbulent times.
Online yoga sessions are of immense help and are a necessity for us to do during these testing times. It promotes group dynamics while practicing and helps us to connect with other people also while we practice at home.
Many of us are not clear on what we would like to do during these lock down times where we are home bound and working from home. Some of us may also not be working or may also have free time post work. We may get lethargic and just go about doing our routine daily chores and then don’t know what to do with our spare time. Also, we may get exhausted working for long hours in front of the computer. Yoga not only aids in giving us mental stability, but also imparts physical movement through asanas. It also involves us breathing correctly while practicing asanas. This asana practice helps is maintaining stability in our metabolic rates and also helps in keeping a balance in our hormones thereby maintaining our health and fitness. This way we are able to be focus and concentrate on our work better, which now involves spending hours in front of a computer which may get very tiring.
Most important, a robust and strong immunity can help us in fighting the corona virus. A good immune system thwarts off the virus, leaving less room for medication. Yoga enhances the immunity and metabolism of our body, thereby promoting a fit body.
Since Coronavirus is a SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) disease, it is of utmost important that we take care of our lungs and breathing. The practice of pranayama with proper breathing and breath regulation helps boost immunity which is much needed to fight the virus. Mortality occurs mainly from immunological deficiencies which can be reduced with proper and regular practice of asana and pranayama.
Finding a vaccine for Covid 19 maybe several months away. Hence, relying on online Yoga and Pranayama classes with a focus on becoming aware of all aspects of our life such as Ahara i.e. food we eat, Vihara – our lifestyle we lead – which must include Yoga and Pranayama practice every day , Vichara – our thoughts which can be balanced with Dhyana or meditation will surely help us all in our Vyavahara – our work, our daily activities and occupation .
With Covid 19 here to stay with us for several more months, practicing yoga asana with online classes correctly taught by trained yoga teachers will indeed be good for all of us. The practice must focus on breathe – based asana practice, pranayama, and meditation and done regularly at least 3 – 5 times a week. This will indeed help us keep not only our bodies fit and strong to build immunity, but also to keep our mind steady during these turbulent times.
Ms. Mimi Partha Sarathy
Founder, Managing Trustee and Sr. Yoga Teacher Sri Krishna Wellness Yoga Centre
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
