National Yoga Awareness Month is in September, and we’re here to show you how you can celebrate this month in the best way possible. Do you know that it has been more than 4,000 years since yoga originated? Yoga is a physical activity that consists of maintaining isometric postures, followed by deep breathing and meditation. It is beneficial for people of all ages. Some yoga exercises are easy to perform and not hard on the body, and hence, they can be done by the elderly too. National Yoga Awareness Month was created to raise awareness of the benefits of practicing yoga among people all over the world.
History of National Yoga Awareness Month
The term yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means unite. It is said that once a person practices yoga, the person is united with the universe and the supreme consciousness. The origins of yoga can be traced back to 2700 B.C. during the period of the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization. The person who practices yoga is known as a yogi and Lord Shiva is said to be the first yogi or ‘Adiyogi.’ Shiva then transferred all the yogic knowledge to the Saptarishis — the seven sages. The sages then spread this knowledge to the people in different parts of the world.The sun was given a lot of importance in the Vedic period. The Surya namaskara or “salutations to the sun” was created which contained a set of exercises and stretches that were performed as a prayer to the sun. The period between 800 B.C. to 500 A.D. is known as the ‘Classical Period’ of yoga. Types of yoga-like ‘Gyan Yoga’(Yoga of Knowledge), ‘Karma Yoga’ (Yoga of Action), and then ‘Bhakti Yoga’ (Yoga of Devotion) were created. The period between 500 A.D. to 1700 A.D. is known as the ‘post-classical period.’ It is also the time when renowned scholar Adi Sankaracharya’s teachings spread across the Indian subcontinent. Pranayama was introduced which taught people to control their breathings which had numerous benefits.National Yoga Awareness Month was created by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (N.C.C.I.H.) along with the Office of Research Services (O.R.S.) to raise awareness of the benefits of yoga-like mental and physical well-being, less stress, and increased longevity of life.
National Yoga Awareness Month timeline
Yoga is born in the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization.
Different types of yoga, like Gyan, Bhakti, and Karma yoga are developed.
Teachings of Adi Sankaracharya spread, and Pranayama is also developed.
National Yoga Awareness Month is created by the N.I.H. and N.C.C.I.H. to raise awareness of the benefits of practicing yoga
National Yoga Awareness Month FAQs
Why is yoga a self-awareness habit?
Yoga helps us know ourselves better and helps us be in control of our emotions. Hence, yoga helps us improve our self-understanding and awareness.
What are the eight steps of yoga?
There are eight limbs of yoga. They are — ‘Yama’ (abstinence), ‘asana’ (yoga postures), ‘Dharana’ (concentration), ‘pranayama’ (breath control), ‘pratyahara’ (withdrawal of the senses), ‘niyama’ (observances), ‘dhyana’ (meditation), and ‘samadhi’ (absorption).”
What is the discipline of yoga?
Yoga is a philosophical or spiritual discipline. It helps bring harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
National Yoga Awareness Month Activities
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Learn yoga
What better way to celebrate National Yoga Awareness Month than to incorporate yoga into your lifestyle. Go to your nearest yoga coach and learn the fundamentals of yoga to lead a healthier and stress-free life. You can also learn on your own online.
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Share it on social media
Let everyone know the importance of this day. Take pictures and videos of you performing yogic postures and share them on your social media page to inspire others.
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Read more about yoga
There are different types of yoga. Some exercises are beneficial for the body, while others are good for the mind. Some exercises prevent or even to some extent cure certain illnesses. Use this month to research more on the topic and choose exercises that fit your needs.
5 Relaxing Facts About Yoga
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There are many schools
There are about 18,000 yoga schools in the world.
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It can prolong aging
Research has shown that practicing yoga can delay aging.
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It reached the U.S. in 1893
Yoga reached the U.S. with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
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The first mat was made using carpet
The first yoga mat was made by Angela Farmer who made it using carpet underlay.
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It can help schizophrenia
Studies have shown that yoga helps schizophrenia patients with their cognitive functioning.
Why We Love National Yoga Awareness Month
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It gives us a chance to improve our lifestyle
Practicing Yoga has countless mental and health benefits. This month gives us a chance to learn a new skill that will benefit us for the rest of our lives.
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It reduces our stress levels
Today in the 21st century, stress is unavoidable. However, with yoga exercises and breathing exercises such as Pranayam, one can significantly reduce stress levels.
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It gives us a chance to learn something
Though yoga originated in the Indian subcontinent, its popularity has reached all over the world. This month gives us a chance to learn something which is one of the world's oldest disciplines and improve our health at the same time.
National Yoga Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
