Pandemics are far from just being medical phenomena. With the nationwide lockdown imposed due to the deadly contagion, Covid-19, personal and professional lives of several people have been disrupted grievously. Unfortunately, the entire focus has been on assessing the number of deaths, while, the impact of mental well-being takes a backseat. Such unprecedented circumstances are the sources for anxiety and other mental health issues in people across the world.
According to The Indian Express, Jacqueline Fernandez, who otherwise is found sporting a cheerful personality all the time, recently took to Instagram to open up about how she had been facing “major anxiety” lately. To keep her mental health at bay, the Race 3 actor has switched to yoga. “I have been dealing with some major anxiety these past few weeks.. however being consistent with yoga has taught me the valuable lesson of being in the moment and what’s even more important…gratitude…for life and being alive..,” the actor wrote on Instagram.
Not to forget, the year 2020 has witnessed a major number of suicides among celebrities and commoners either due to job loss or the fear to gain a strong foothold in the industry post the pandemic. As such, mental health experts have been repeatedly emphasizing on the constant need to exercise not just to be physically healthy but mentally too. Moreover, in such trying times, the onus is on us to take accountability for our individual mental health as well as not ignore our loved ones’ well- being too. Studies over the years have recorded how consistently practicing yoga boosts both physical and mental health. In the wake of the pandemic, a study revealed that movement-based yoga — where one is physically active at least 50 per cent of the time is likely to improve mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.
We came across a few snaps of Jacqueline Fernandez, where she is seen doing a variety of yoga poses, from Downward-facing Dog Pose or Adho Mukha Svanasana, Wheel Pose or Chakrasana, Headstand or Sirsasana, followed by one-legged Headstand or Eka Pada Sirsasana, among a chain of yoga movements. You can reap huge benefits from each of these asanas.
Downward-facing dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana): This asana aims to calm the brain and helps relieve stress. It stretches the shoulders, arms, legs and hamstrings and energises the body, according to yogajournal.com.
Wheel Pose (Chakrasana): This yoga pose increases tremendous energy and is known to counteract depression. It stretches the chest and lungs and strengthens the arms, legs, buttocks, abdomen and spine. It is also known to have therapeutic effects for asthma and back pain.
Headstand (Sirsasana): This inverted yoga pose increases blood flow to the brain. It is known to help in reducing stress, depression and insomnia. It further strengthens muscles in the neck, abdomen, shoulders and arms.