“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less”-Marie Curie.

Each passing day, we ponder upon the theories revolving around the current pandemic that are being formulated, worked upon, analyzed, and finally rejected. As there is no definite cure so far, the disease is impacting the lives of millions and affecting their mental health even more than the physical aspect nowadays. The uncertainty, fear, and ambiguity are causing a rise in the level of anxiety and stress. Under such a scenario, it is imperative to have sound mental health along with strong immunity.

The medical experts and researchers have till now been tracking and targeting the virus, its behavior, and how to immunize oneself against it. As an alternative to the traditional route, Yoga, on the other hand, targets the host and focus more on strengthening the host immunity and ensure readiness to fight the infection.

Happiness: Yoga has been known to help in increasing production and release of serotonin, the happiness hormone. By stimulating the lymphatic system, it helps the body in flushing out the toxins and improves the oxygenation of organs. When you are happy, you naturally feel beautiful, youthful, and energetic. Restorative yoga like taking intermittent breaks of few minutes to sit quietly or a slow walk barefoot on the grass, now and then, can help reset the nervous system.

Breathwork: Pranayama works positively on affecting the tone of the 10^th cranial nerve known as Vagus. This helps in relieving anxiety and stress at a faster rate. Yoga-Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a lying-down practice of mindfulness, in which the body gets relaxed fully. Certified psychiatrists at Harvard Medical School prescribe ‘square breathing’, whose few cycles itself make a person calmer. Techniques like Kapaalbhati (or belly breathing), 4-7-8 breathing pattern, alternate-nostril breathing, etc. are known to improve lung capacity, relieve nasal congestion, improve overall blood circulation, and aid in faster recovery. Rigorous exercises like jog-at-a-place or jumping jacks, help in purifying lungs at a faster rate too.

Fitness: Basic yoga poses like Matsyasana (fish pose) variation, Viparita Karani (legs up the wall) and Uttanasana (forward bend) are well known to improve blood circulation, help in detoxification, increase body energy, thereby improving immunity levels.

The Ultimate Asana: Surya Namaskar or Sun salutation involves stretching every part of the body and affects mindset positively, improves attention span and concentration abilities, and is immensely beneficial to women for their overall feminine well-being.

Sound sleep: A good amount of sleep is equally important. Experts suggest that to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm or the body clock, going to bed 2-3 hours after sunset and waking up with the sun is highly recommended, even today.

As B K S Iyengar, one of the foremost Yoga teachers in the world, said “Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.” Yoga along with lifestyle and dietary changes results in the overall fitness of the mind, body, and soul. Yoga is not just a part of life; it is a way of life. Yoga is a faith. It is not just about building endurance, flexibility, and strength; it is about balance. Yoga can lead to positive, uplifting emotional states and instill spiritual awareness at a deeper level of consciousness. Yoga for me is:

Y – Yearn for a better life

O – Observe your breath and organize your thoughts

G – Generate positive energy

A – Activate your inner senses

While the medical fraternity performs their duties in treating the affected, we all can make a significant difference to our lives by adopting the traditional methods and work towards building healthier, immune bodies and keep the infections at bay in the first place.

So, bend it before you break it. Let’s work in. Let’s YOGA!

Dr. Priti is a HRM expert and is currently pursuing PhD in Organization Change Management. Email: drpritiswarup@gmail.com