In a world of constantly changing fitness trends, yoga has stood the test of time as a practice that helps one go deeper and cultivate a sense of peace and calm. On 21st June every year, we celebrate this very special practice that has stayed popular for over 5,000 years.
What’s great about the practice of yoga is that there is something for everyone. It’s also one of the best practices for longevity — with its emphasis on balance, breath, and awareness, yoga supports mobility, builds strength, and enhances overall vitality, helping you age not just gracefully, but powerfully.
Here are some reasons why you should choose yoga — even if it’s just incorporating an āsana practice, a short dhyāna (meditation) session, or a prānāyāma (breathing) technique for those days when you feel stressed:

Breathing techniques like Nādī Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and mindful movement reduce cortisol levels, calm the nervous system, and enhance emotional balance.

Improved Mobility
Mobility isn’t just about flexibility — it’s about being able to move with ease and stability through daily life. Regular yoga practice supports joint health, elongates muscles, and reduces stiffness.

Getting Stronger
Unlike high-impact workouts that stress the joints, yoga uses body weight to build functional strength. Poses like Dandāsana (Staff Pose), Utkatāsana (Chair Pose), and Nāvāsana (Boat Pose) challenge your muscles while respecting your body’s limits. Over time, these movements improve muscle tone, endurance, and resilience — especially important as we age.

Improved Balance
One of the most underrated benefits of yoga is improved balance. Postures like Vrksāsana (Tree Pose) and Garudāsana (Eagle Pose) strengthen the nervous system and help prevent falls, especially in older adults. These balancing postures train both mind and body to stay centered, even in challenging moments.

Better Mental Clarity and Reduced Stress
Yoga is as much about the mind as it is about the body. Breathing techniques like Nādī Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and mindful movement reduce cortisol levels, calm the nervous system, and enhance emotional balance. Many practitioners report sleeping better, feeling more focused, and being less reactive to stress after just a few weeks.

Recovery and Pain Management
Yoga is often recommended for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and fibromyalgia. Gentle poses — especially restorative ones — help reduce inflammation, ease tension, and promote circulation, without overwhelming the body.

Cultivate Self-Awareness and Body Intuition
Unlike many workouts focused on pushing through discomfort, yoga invites you to listen. You learn to tune into your breath, notice subtle imbalances, and modify movement to suit your unique body — making it safer and more sustainable in the long run.

Yoga is not about achieving a pose — it’s about creating space for yourself, wherever you are. What starts as a physical practice often deepens into a lifelong journey of self-inquiry and mindfulness. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, yoga evolves with you, adapting to your needs and rhythms.

Choosing yoga isn’t just choosing a workout — it’s choosing a life companion. One that helps you stand tall, breathe deep, and live well, no matter your age or background.

– By Carolyn Theresa Simon, a yoga expert.