Every year, International Yoga Day, celebrated on June 21st, unites the world in recognizing the ancient practices of yoga that benefits for mind, body, and spirit. Women are the backbone of society, handling number of responsibilities that can affect their mental well-being. Yoga is a powerful and accessible tool to combat stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalances.

This ancient practice goes beyond physical postures (asanas). It cultivates mindfulness, a state of awareness that allows us to understand and observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment. Yoga helps to create self-awareness, which further helps us manage our mental health. It promotes self-acceptance, positive self-talk, and increasing self-confidence.

Yoga serves to alleviate restlessness and anxiety, ultimately leading to inner peace and satisfaction. The Patanjali's “Yoga Sutras” further emphasize the significance of practicing the eight limbs of yoga for self-realization and personal growth. He defines Yoga as “Yogah Chitta Vritti Nirodaha” which means stoppage of the fluctuations of the mind or gaining mastery over the mind.

Yoga has served as a balanced practice, combining together physical postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation to cultivate well-being.

Here are 5 key asanas for balance and resilience:

1. Tadasana (MountainPose): This standing pose helps to improve posture and alignment, which promotes inner strength and fosters a sense of confidence and stability
2. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): Balancing on one leg requires focus and concentration, drawing your mind away from worries. It increases concentration and helps to achieve peace of mind. It is beneficial for people with depression and anxiety. It also helps to boost self-esteem and self-confidence. It represents the development of inner stability and determination which will help to overcome challenges and pursue your goals with commitment.
3. Balasana (Child's Pose): This pose curls forward with your forehead resting on the ground, it allows deep relaxation and promotes feelings of calmness. It helps to relieve stress. It empowers women to acknowledge their feelings and prioritize their well-being which is a crucial aspect of self-empowerment.
4. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): It is a back-bending yoga pose while lying down opens the chest and shoulders, promoting a sense of openness and emotional release. It is helpful for alleviating anxiety and fatigue. It fosters the ability to express yourself authentically and embrace your full potential.
5. avasana (Corpse Pose): It is a resting pose which calms the body and mind. It cultivates a sense of inner peace and stillness. Feeling centered and grounded empowers women to make clear-headed decisions and approach challenges with a calm and collected mind.

Yoga's emphasis on breathwork provides a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. Techniques like pranayama (controlled breathing – inhale and exhale) activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and focus. This can be helpful for women juggling work, family, and personal commitments. By learning to manage stress effectively, women can navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and emotional balance.

Meditation, another key pillar of yoga, allows women to connect with their inner selves. By calming the mind and focusing inward, yoga fosters self-awareness and a sense of inner peace. It also fosters a sense of self-love and self-care.

Yoga is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. By integrating body, mind, and spirit, yoga empowers women to navigate life's challenges with greater strength, resilience, and inner peace. Yoga is about showing up for yourself. You can do more than you think, unlock your potential and find your peace and strength through yoga.