Inhale, Exhale,Transform: Celebrities Reflect on Yoga's Role in Their Lives
'Yoga became more than movement, it became my medicine'
Hamsa Nandini, actress
Yoga is a deeply personal and spiritual practice for me. I try to practice 4–5 times a week, depending on my travel and shoot schedules. After my cancer journey, yoga turned into something far more meaningful than just physical fitness, it became a form of inner healing and alignment. It grounds me, restores my energy, and keeps me connected to my breath, body, and purpose. I gravitate towards asanas that support flexibility, lymphatic flow, and emotional release. Some of my regular go-to asanas are Vrikshasana (tree pose) for balance, Bhujangasana (cobra pose) to open my heart and spine, and Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall pose) for deep relaxation. On emotionally heavy days, I turn to child's pose and hip-openers — they release stuck energy so beautifully. Yoga has brought a quiet revolution within me. It has taught me to slow down, listen to my body, and honour where I am, especially during the difficult days. Now, I eat mindfully, breathe consciously, and rest without guilt. Yoga didn't just heal me physically; it taught me to breathe through pain, find stillness in chaos, and embrace life with grace and resilience.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
6 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Inhale, Exhale,Transform: Celebrities Reflect on Yoga's Role in Their Lives
'Yoga became more than movement, it became my medicine' Hamsa Nandini, actress Yoga is a deeply personal and spiritual practice for me. I try to practice 4–5 times a week, depending on my travel and shoot schedules. After my cancer journey, yoga turned into something far more meaningful than just physical fitness, it became a form of inner healing and alignment. It grounds me, restores my energy, and keeps me connected to my breath, body, and purpose. I gravitate towards asanas that support flexibility, lymphatic flow, and emotional release. Some of my regular go-to asanas are Vrikshasana (tree pose) for balance, Bhujangasana (cobra pose) to open my heart and spine, and Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall pose) for deep relaxation. On emotionally heavy days, I turn to child's pose and hip-openers — they release stuck energy so beautifully. Yoga has brought a quiet revolution within me. It has taught me to slow down, listen to my body, and honour where I am, especially during the difficult days. Now, I eat mindfully, breathe consciously, and rest without guilt. Yoga didn't just heal me physically; it taught me to breathe through pain, find stillness in chaos, and embrace life with grace and resilience.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
International Yoga Day 2025: Can this ancient practice help beat OCD? Experts recommend 5 poses that may make a difference
Yoga is a set of spiritual, physical, and mental health practices that originated in ancient India. It has been found to help people manage their stress levels, improve their mood, and even reduce symptoms of depression, but can yoga beat OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)?. Ahead of International Day of Yoga, let's find out what experts say. OCD is a mental health condition that is characterised by persistent unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that a person feels driven to act on. "Yoga can be a beneficial complementary approach for managing symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but it is not a standalone cure," says Dr Shorouq Motwani, psychiatrist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai. Numerous studies suggest that yoga may help reduce anxiety and improve overall mental well-being, which can be particularly advantageous for individuals grappling with OCD. Can yoga help beat OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)? The practice of yoga emphasises mindfulness, breath control, and physical postures, all of which can foster greater awareness and self-regulation. "Mindfulness techniques cultivated during yoga can help individuals observe their thoughts and compulsions without immediate reaction, potentially reducing the urge to engage in compulsive behaviours," explains Dr. Motwani. Additionally, the physical aspects of yoga can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation, leading to an improved mood and increased emotional resilience. "Engaging in regular yoga sessions may help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and enhance their ability to manage OCD symptoms," adds Dr. Motwani. However, it's essential to note that yoga should be considered as part of a broader treatment plan, which may include therapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy) and medication. Consulting with a mental health professional is crucial to create an effective treatment strategy tailored to the individual's needs. According to Dr. Motwani, "While yoga can provide valuable support, it is not a replacement for traditional OCD treatments." 5 yoga poses to beat or manage OCD According to Vidya Jha, Yoga Guru – Aatma Yog Studio, Karampura, New Delhi, "There are certain yoga poses to help manage symptoms of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) by reducing anxiety and promoting mental clarity." Here are 5 poses that can help manage OCD: 1. Balasana (Child's Pose) Why it's recommended: It's a soothing, grounding pose that activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest state) and supports the reduction of intrusive thinking and compulsive worry. Tip: In this pose, practise deep belly breathing for 3–5 minutes each day to ground attention in bodily sensation as opposed to obsessive thinking. 2. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose) Why it's recommended: This restorative inversion softly balances the nervous system and is frequently employed by therapists to support patients in moving out of repetitive thinking loops. According to Jha, "Somatic-oriented neurologists have noted that this posture reduces cortisol and norepinephrine—both elevated in OCD—and increases limbic system stability." Tip: Place a bolster under your hips and remain for 10 minutes to allow deep nervous system repair. 3. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) Why it's recommended: Although not a pose, this pranayama can be highly recommended by integrative psychiatrists. It harmonises the left and right hemispheres of the brain, soothing repetitive thought patterns and compulsive behaviours. Anecdotal case reports have established that daily practice (10 minutes/day) results in enhanced response inhibition, a cognitive impairment present in OCD. Tip: Always begin and conclude with the left nostril for a soothing effect. 4. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) Why it's recommended: This position releases tension accumulated in the pelvic and abdominal area and heightens present-moment awareness. 'Physicians highlight that backbends such as this one engage the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain involved in regulating impulses and executive functioning, commonly under pressure in OCD,' says Jha. Tip: Pay attention to synchronising breath with movement to interrupt obsessive focus loops. 5. Padmasana with Jnana Mudra (Lotus Pose + Gesture of Wisdom) Why it's recommended: Seated in meditation with a mudra representing wisdom assists in developing a non-reacting awareness, which is essential in dealing with intrusive thoughts. 'Psychotherapists applying mindfulness in OCD therapy observe that this coupling enhances metacognition—your capacity to monitor thoughts yet refrain from interacting with them,' he adds. Advice: Even when full lotus is challenging, any cross-legged seated pose with Jnana Mudra can aid self-regulation. Always combine yoga practice with professional mental health care, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is the gold standard for OCD.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Feeling mentally drained at work? These 5 yoga postures can reset the day
Mental fatigue shows up in ways most people miss. The jaw feels tight, attention slips, and even simple tasks start to feel heavier than they should. Often, the shoulders are drawn up, the breath is short, and there is a sense of being on edge without knowing why. These complaints build up over days, especially in high-pressure work routines. No amount of caffeine or scrolling through social media fixes it. What helps is stopping for a few minutes, lying down, or moving slowly and deliberately. That is where yoga fits in, not as a big lifestyle change, but as a daily pause that lets the system cool down before it is too late. Where the Body Stores the Overload Work stress is not always mental. The body holds onto it, especially when there is no outlet. Sitting too long in one position, constant screen use, and back-to-back deadlines leave no space to process or breathe fully. Even after logging off, the tension remains. The upper back stays locked. The breath feels stuck. Sleep comes late and is not deep. These patterns, if left unchecked, do not just affect energy; they affect digestion, immunity, and mood. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo A few postures, repeated every day, create enough of a gap to reset. They will not erase the workload, but they shift how the body carries it. 1. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall) One of the easiest ways to take pressure off the mind. Lying down with the legs raised on a wall or chair changes the way blood flows. It calms the feet and the lower back and softens the face. After five minutes, the breath evens out, the eyes stop darting, and the heart rate drops slightly. Best done in silence. No phone. No instructions. Just stillness. 2. Balasana (Child's Pose) A shape the body knows instinctively. Folding forward with the head on the ground relaxes the eyes, the jaw, and the belly. This posture works when everything feels overstimulated. It pulls attention inward without effort. Holding it for three to four minutes in the middle of the day slows things down. It does not fix the schedule, but it makes space for breath again. 3. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) This seated posture opens up the hips and groin gently. It straightens the spine without strain and brings attention to the breath. When the hands rest lightly on the ankles or thighs, it's easier to sit without tension. Doing this early in the day gives the body a more stable starting point. When paired with a longer exhale, it helps steady the nerves before the demands begin. 4. Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Stretch) A simple flow between arching and rounding the back. It sounds basic, but the effect is real. Shoulders soften. The chest opens. The spine begins to move again. For those who sit at a desk for hours, this helps bring movement back to the parts that go numb from stillness. Ten slow rounds with steady breath are enough to shake off the dullness that builds through the afternoon. 5. Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclining Twist) Done at the end of the day, this gentle spinal twist helps the body stop carrying everything it held since morning. It relaxes the abdomen, stretches the back, and lets the breath drop deeper. Lying on the floor with the knees falling to one side helps settle the system before sleep. It also reduces bloating, a common complaint among those who eat at irregular times due to work. The effectiveness of these postures does not depend on flexibility or previous experience. What matters is doing them often, without rushing. These are not exercises, but rather a way to stop, breathe, and reset. For those looking to go a step further, adding simple breathwork techniques like Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing), Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath), or Ujjayi (Ocean Breath) can deepen the reset effect and help manage mental load through the day. Those who stick with it, even 10 minutes a day, notice fewer headaches, calmer evenings, and better focus. Not because the job changed, but because their response to it did. Authored by: Pritika Singh, CEO at Prayag Hospital Group International Yoga Day: 5 yoga poses to ease lower back pain One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
