#InternationalYogaDay: Yoga has healing powers and it has transformed our lives, say TV actors

Apart from wowing audiences with their acting prowess, actors also give fans fitness goals thanks to their healthy bodies and lifestyles. On International Day of Yoga, we spoke to a few popular telly stars about how practising yoga has helped them to stay fit, both physically and mentally, and their favourite asanas.

I practise mainly in the morning and do Ashtanga yoga. Though it’s difficult and challenging to find time from my shooting schedule, I manage it. I find it mentally, physically, and emotionally relaxing as I start my day with yoga and breathing exercises. Different postures have different benefits and it’s extremely scientific. So, if one is having issues like stress, anxiety, and body pain, yoga can be of great help. I also do Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya regularly which is meditative, and this breathing technique process keeps me completely energetic and positive throughout the day.

I started practising yoga during the lockdown. Yoga has been a game changer for me both mentally and physically. I used to fall sick very frequently in the past, but ever since I started practising yoga, I haven't fallen sick. Yoga is very refreshing; it has helped cleanse my mind and body and also helped me have a more positive outlook on life. The Ashtanga Vinyasa series is my favourite, followed by headstand.

Yoga has many benefits. It helps in keeping our mental and physical health intact, and to connect with nature and our own self. No one can deny the healing power of yoga today. It makes you calmer, stronger, and wiser too. I basically do breathing exercises and I do it every morning for around 45 minutes. Pranayama is my favourite as it helps me to focus on whatever I do. I feel more relaxed and at ease after my yoga session.

Trikonasana is my favourite-it’s good for reducing stress and really helps with metabolism. Every morning, I make sure that before I get ready for the day, I do at least an hour of yoga and this asana really helps me in reducing my anxiety about the day ahead. It relaxes me completely. I have also heard that this pose reduces the risk of injuries since you become more agile. As they say, “yoga se hoga” and I believe in that mantra. Our ancient practices for the body and mind are really beneficial.

Virabhadrasana is my favourite and it strengthens the arms, shoulders, thighs, and back muscles, all in one go. The posture helps me open my heart to have strength and courage like a warrior. This asana is considered to be one of the most agile ones in yoga, and it adds a lot of perfection to the workout. I have always wanted the strength of the body and the mind, and this asana gives me all that and much more. I feel energised after doing yoga in the morning although I am still learning and striving to get better in all the asanas.

For me, yoga is not a hobby but a way of living life in a healthy and peaceful manner. It’s the perfect way of dedicating time for your own self. No matter what I do, I manage an hour’s time for yoga every day. This has had a positive impact on me in numerous ways. Although I was shooting till the last month of my pregnancy, I never skipped my yoga sessions. It’s because of yoga that my pregnancy was comfortable and I had no complications. It kept me active and healthy. While I do various asanas regularly, Vajrasana has helped me a lot. It has great health benefits, especially for balancing one’s digestive system.

I practise Ashtanga vinyasa yoga five days a week. It’s been more than four years and it has helped me immensely to stay calm and focused on my work and my well-being. I believe there are scientific and spiritual reasons for it as it helps to open up the body and mind. While doing yoga, we try to focus on the breathing aspects. Overall, it has a big impact on you and your character in the long run. It has taught me how to balance my body with the rhythm of my own self. Yoga is magical and every one of us must practise it.

It improves our well-being and gives us better mental clarity and confidence. Our posture improves with consistent practice. My favourite asanas are Kapal Bhati, Anulom Vilom and Surya Namaskar. I do yoga two days a week. It is a must in my schedule, and it has many benefits. When you do a headstand, the blood circulation improves. However, it should be done for a limited duration. Doing Surya Namaskar improves your strength and body posture, your body flexibility improves, and it teaches you a lot of patience. Once you do it regularly, you will gain that confidence.