The Permanent Mission of India in New York commemorated the 6th International Day of Yoga on June 19, 2020. The celebrations were marked at a time when the global outbreak of COVID-19 has upended lives and disrupted lifestyles of people across the world. Working from home, home-schooling of children, lack of physical contact with friends and colleagues have become the new realities of life. Adapting to such lifestyle changes have been particularly challenging.

Studies indicate that there has been a rise in depression, anxiety, and fear than normal among people during these changing times. The increasing psychological suffering, mental health problems and the mental health dimension of this pandemic needs to be effectively addressed.

The message of Yoga in promoting physical and mental health and the well-being of humanity have never been more relevant. There is a growing trend of people all over the world embracing Yoga to fight social isolation and depression during the pandemic. Yoga can also play a significant role in the psycho-social care and rehabilitation of COVID-19  patients in quarantine and isolation. They are particularly useful in allaying their fears and anxiety.

Recognizing this important role of Yoga, the Permanent Mission of India, together with Yoga gurus and therapists, has created a special Yoga module,  “Yoga for Health - Yoga at Home”, on the occasion of 6th International Day of Yoga. The module is a safe set of Yoga practices, based on available scientific evidences, designed for all age-groups, which can be practiced from their homes. The module, which includes simple Yoga exercises, breathing and meditation practices to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, can be watched on UN Web TV and the Mission’s social media pages.