Yoga: A Sustainable Path to Planetary Health

WHO South-East Asia Regional Director Saima Wazed highlights yoga's role in promoting sustainability ahead of International Day of Yoga. This annual event, supported by 177 UN member states, fosters mindfulness and environmental respect. Studies reveal yoga's physical and mental health benefits, corroborating its global wellness impact.

As the world grapples with environmental issues, the practice of yoga emerges as a beacon of sustainability. WHO South-East Asia Regional Director Saima Wazed emphasized the significance of living simply and respecting nature during a statement on the eve of the International Day of Yoga.

This annual event, occurring on June 21, was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and has since received tremendous global support, spearheaded by 177 UN member states. Wazed lauds yoga not only for its physical discipline but also for its capacity to foster inner peace and environmental awareness.

Yoga's benefits, supported by numerous studies, extend beyond physical wellness to include mental health improvements. As people practice yoga, they report increased strength, reduced inflammation, and alleviated depression symptoms, bolstering the movement's global significance.

(With inputs from agencies.)