YOGA AS A TOOL FOR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL BALANCE

Abstract

“Yoga is the artwork of awareness on the Canvas of body, mind and soul”-being one of the most distinguished and relevant maxims for the people living in this 21st century. The generation, where stress level reaches its peak, anxiety overpowers mental stability, physical and physiological infirmity appears in the younger age - yoga acts an invaluable tool to maintain one’s mental and physical balance. Yoga, a science contributing to ancient Indian heritage, having its earliest mention in Rig Veda, has its different types and forms - Patanjali's Raj yoga, the most popular one, all leading to mental, physical, physiological and spiritual betterment, ultimately leading to unite with God (samadhi). Yoga has been composed of asana (physical exercise), pranayama (breathing exercises) and dhyana (meditation). Some of the significant physical benefits observed by regular practice of yoga are improved flexibility, better body coordination, better cardiovascular function and long-lasting hormonal balance. While impacts on mental health are improved concentration, memory, reduced depression score, alleviation from other anxiety disorders. Researches clearly show these positive impacts which would lead to conclude safely that “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self to the self.”