How Indian Diaspora in US is Harnessing Yoga to Relieve Stress

Here, we delve into the stress-relieving advantages of Yoga and practical ways Indian Americans are incorporating its principles into their daily lives to significantly enhance their overall well-being.

Representative Image. / Unsplash

Yoga, an ancient Indian practice gaining widespread popularity, provides a holistic approach to well-being, including both physical and mental benefits. In addition to the well-known physical postures, a comprehensive yoga routine can integrate powerful breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and deep relaxation techniques such as yoga nidra.

For many Indian Americans, a key motivation for embracing yoga is its ability to prevent and reduce stress. New India Abroad spoke to yoga teachers and Indian American practitioners to learn how they use yoga for stress relief. Here’s what they had to say.

The Link Between Yoga and Stress Reduction

Yoga is a mind-body practice, which includes physical exercises, breathing methods, and meditation. “In this competitive era, life has become fast-paced, making it difficult to stay calm and relaxed. Practicing yoga is the best way to overcome these challenges. Yoga is a systematic Indian practice of spiritual development that dates back thousands of years. Since yoga covers meditation, physical exercise, and breath control practices, it helps boost vitality,” says Aman Puri, a fitness expert and founder of Steadfast Nutrition.

Key Stress-Relieving Components of Yoga

Experts suggest that incorporating yoga into your daily routine is a great way to relax the mind and body. “I have found yoga to be one of the most effective ways to quiet the mind. Through asana practice, meditation, and breathwork, this ancient practice allows the mind to unwind and find inner peace amidst life's chaos. Its holistic approach soothes both body and soul, making it an invaluable practice in cultivating relaxation,” adds Shruti Shah, a yoga teacher and founder of Flow With Shruti.

Advantages of Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep)

Additionally, in recent years, different types of yoga such as yoga nidra—an ancient yogic practice—have become very popular within the Indian diaspora. Derived from the Sanskrit words ‘yoga’ (union) and ‘nidra’ (sleep), yoga nidra is commonly called yogic sleep. It is a carefully guided meditation technique, which encourages deep relaxation while maintaining heightened consciousness and awareness.

As per research, practicing yoga nidra regularly offers numerous health benefits, such as minimizing stress. “Yoga Nidra helps in reducing anxiety. It is proven to be even more effective than meditation for reducing physiological and cognitive symptoms of anxiety by working on the autonomic nervous system,” mentions health expert Lovneet Bhullar Batra.

How the Indian Diaspora Integrates Yoga into Daily Life

Several Indian Americans practice yoga on a daily basis to improve their mental health and overall well-being.

“Yoga, including yoga nidra and pranayama, is a regular part of my daily routine,” mentions Divya Shah, a Los Angeles-based management consultant. “In addition to going to the gym for weights and cardio, I attend yoga classes at least twice a week. I love my sessions and look forward to them every week. Yoga helps me relax and rejuvenate mentally and physically. I let go of all my worries and stresses on my mat, and at the end of the session, I feel like a new person! I highly recommend that everyone should add yoga to their workout regimes.”

Rohit Sharma, a New York City-based investment banker, adds: “I took up a pranayama practice after I recovered from Covid as I was having breathing issues, and I’ve been practicing it every day, ever since. Thanks to my regular practice, I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my breathing and overall well-being. It’s become a non-negotiable part of my morning, helping me feel centered and calm before starting my day. I often tell my friends and family about the benefits of pranayama. It’s such a simple practice, everyone can do it, regardless of fitness levels, and it helps so much!”

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