International Yoga Day 2024: Health Benefits of Surya Namaskar and Why You Should do it Daily

Yoga is not just an exercise but an art that gives strength to the body and also brings peace to the mind. Yoga consists of aasanas that can help you attain a healthy body and mind. One of the most performed, effective, and common aasana is Surya Namaskar. The name Surya Namaskar means bowing down to the sun. It is best practised early in the morning, before sunrise. It tones the entire body, helps in weight loss, strengthens muscles and joints, gives calmness to the mind, and promotes inner peace.

So, if you want to start your yoga journey to achieve well-being between the mind and body, what’s a better day than International Day of Yoga? Celebrated on June 21 across the globe, the day is aimed at increasing public awareness of the numerous advantages of yoga in maintaining physical and mental health and motivating yoga practitioners all around the world.

Check out the steps to perform Surya Namaskar and its health benefits:

International Day Of Yoga 2024: Steps to perform Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar comprises a total of 8 postures woven into a sequence of 12 steps for each side of the body—right and left. You must start the Surya Namaskar on the right side, and as you cover both sides, one complete cycle is done.

You can start performing Surya Namaskar with 5 cycles a day and slowly increase it to 11 cycles per day. Here are the 12 steps to complete one round of Surya Namaskar:

1. Pranam Asana (The Prayer pose)
2. Hastha Utanasana (Raised arms pose)
3. Padahastasana (Standing forward bend)
4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)
5. Santholanasana (Plank Pose)
6. Ashtanga Namaskar Asana (Eight-limbed salutation)
7. Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
8. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward dog pose)
9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)
10. Padahastasana (Standing forward bend)
11. Hastha Uthanasana
12. Pranam Asana

International Yoga Day 2024: Benefits of Surya Namaskar

1. Helps with weight loss
2. Strengthens muscles and joints
3. Ensures a better functioning digestive system
4. Helps combat insomnia
5. Ensures regular menstrual cycle
6. Useful in the treatment of frozen shoulders
7. Abdominal muscles and spinal cord are stretched
8. Improves flexibility by toning the spine, shoulders, neck, wrists, knees, and all the other joints
9. Helps in lifting mood and eliminating stress
10. Improves balance between both sides of the body
11. Improves cardiovascular health
12. Deepens the connection between the body and the mind.

Embark on the journey to attain a healthy body and mind with International Day of Yoga 2024.