International Yoga Day 2024: Theme, Asanas, History and Significance
International Yoga Day 2024: The International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21st globally. Yoga has been identified as a route to boost physical fitness, reduce stress and anxiety, enhance general well-being, and improve sleep quality. The International Yoga Day holds a special significance. Yoga’s benefits for physical and mental health are well-known worldwide. Be it young or old, everyone is invited to participate in Yoga Day. It also helps in cutting across cultural and geographical barriers. As they say ‘Health is Wealth’, carrying out Yoga daily helps achieve physical well-being, mental peace, and spiritual growth. How is India celebrating International Yoga Day 2024? India has been at the forefront of celebrating International Yoga Day, year after year. 2024 has been no different. Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India celebrated Yoga Day with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and fervor. Social media has been buzzing with posts and feeds on Yoga Day Celebrations. From Bollywood superstars to sports icons to politicians, India urges the world to stay fit by adopting and inculcating Yoga in their daily lives. Before we delve any further, let’s answer some of the basic questions related to International Yoga Day 2024. Also Read: What is Sports Science? What is the theme of Yoga Day 2024? The International Yoga Day 2024 theme is ‘Yoga for self and society’. This means the dual impact of Yoga, amplifying personal well-being and boosting the society at large. The theme realizes that inner calmness and self-management are the keys to happy living and staying healthy. Why is June 21 celebrated as Yoga Day? The United Nations has recognized June 21 as the International Yoga Day. A resolution was passed on December 11, 2014, during the 69th session of the General Assembly. It is also the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. What is the significance of the Yoga Day? International Yoga Day is a global platform to spread awareness about the benefits of practicing Yoga. How many Yoga Asanas are there? There are a total of 84 Asanas also called poses or postures. Some of the famous ones are Gorakshasana, Halasana, and Hanumanasana among others. What does the word Yoga mean? The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ meaning to join or to unite. As per the scriptures, Yoga helps an individual to find a perfect balance between the mind and the body. Who is the Father of Yoga? Maharshi Patanjali is called the Father of Yoga. He has refined various aspects of Yoga systematically in his Yoga Sutras. Who started Yoga Day? Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi put forth the suggestion of Yoga Day during his speech at the UN General Assembly in September 2014. Yoga can transform health in numerous ways. The ancient exercise model has followers not only in India but around the world. If you aim to achieve good health, adopt Yoga today. Remember – Yoga is a journey of self-discovery. Happy International Yoga Day 2024!
Could Sound Therapy Improve Your Athletic Performance?
Sound therapy is a practice that uses music and sound to improve well-being. The treatment is gaining popularity in various fields, including sports. Listening to things like wind chimes, wave machines, or ocean sounds can help calm us down when we’re feeling really stressed. A study in 2016 showed that listening to calming sounds can make us feel less tense, angry, and tired. Another study in 2014 found that listening to soothing sounds can also help people feel less nervous and anxious after having surgery. Have you heard about YogaWithVikas?Sound therapy could be very much beneficial for the ones living in hustling and bustling cities like Mumbai where finding peace and calmness is as tough as finding water in the desert. Therefore Mr. Vikas Gaikwad, a well known Yoga Therapist and practitioner came up with the idea of inspiring and motivating the ones interested to practice sound healing and sound therapy. Getting to know about that, The Sportz Planet founder, Rishi Sutrave wasted no time in joining a blissful sound therapy session, attending a therapeutic workshop organized by Vikas Gaikwad at the Breathe Studio in Khar West, Mumbai. The session turned out to be a peaceful mind massage and a source of calmness. It gave Rishi and the ones who were alongside him practicing an opportunity to unwind, let go of stress and feel rejuvenated. Coming back to whether sound therapy really enhances athletic performance? Let’s try and find an answer to this riddle. What Exactly Is A Sound Healing Session?When asked to Mr. Vikas Gaikwad, he said “A sound healing session is an ancient wellness practice that combines different healing sounds, music, and sound healing instruments to promote relaxation, self-care, and overall well-being.A few of the instruments used in such sessions are as follows:ChimesGongsHimalayan singing bowlsCrystal singing bowls” What Exactly Is Sound Therapy? Sound therapy involves listening to specific sounds, such as music or rhythms, to evoke physical, mental, and emotional responses. These sounds can affect brainwave patterns, heart rate, and even hormone levels. For athletes, the potential benefits of sound therapy are intriguing. Impact On AthletesOne major way sound therapy could impact athletic performance is by influencing mood and mindset. The right music can pump up energy levels, boost motivation, and alleviate stress or anxiety before a game or workout. Just imagine listening to your favorite upbeat song before hitting the track or field – it could be the extra push you need to perform at your best. Moreover, certain types of music can synchronize with movement, helping athletes maintain a steady pace or rhythm. For example, listening to songs with a consistent beat might improve running cadence or help maintain proper form during weightlifting. This synchronization could lead to more efficient movement patterns and reduced risk of injury. Sound therapy may aid in enhancing focus and concentration, crucial elements for peak athletic performance. By blocking out distractions and creating a conducive environment for concentration, calming music or sounds could help athletes get “in the zone” and stay there during competition. Furthermore, sound therapy might facilitate recovery and relaxation post-exercise. Gentle music or natural sounds can promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and lower cortisol levels, which could speed up recovery time and improve overall well-being for athletes. Does Sound Therapy Work For Everyone?Despite these potential benefits, it’s essential to recognize that the effectiveness of sound therapy can vary from person to person. What works for one athlete might not work for another. Individual preferences, personality traits, and even cultural background can influence how someone responds to different types of sounds. Moreover, while music can be a powerful tool, it’s not a magic solution for athletic performance. Proper training, nutrition, rest, and mental preparation remain fundamental pillars of success in sports. Sound therapy should be viewed as a complementary tool rather than a standalone strategy. Sound therapy holds promise as a tool to enhance athletic performance. By influencing mood, mindset, focus, and relaxation, it could provide athletes with an extra edge in training and competition. However, its effectiveness depends on individual factors, and it should be integrated thoughtfully into a comprehensive training regimen. So, next time you hit the gym or step onto the field, consider tuning into some uplifting tunes – it might just help you reach new heights in your athletic endeavors. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
