There is little that occupies our minds and days today other than the COVID-19 pandemic that has most of us locked up indoors. Obviously, my yoga class is also under lockdown till 14 April along with all else. However, as I said earlier, yoga is a great way to remain fit, healthy and sane during a necessary lockdown such as the one we are undergoing right now. In fact, one heartening news story even spoke of how yoga helped one couple recover from the novel coronavirus infection. You can certainly let yoga help you at home wherever you are.
Yoga and books helped morale of this COVID couple
A couple from Pune was the first identified case of the coronavirus in Maharashtra. They spent two weeks at the isolation ward in hospital before they thankfully recovered and were discharged. Speaking out about their ordeal later, they revealed that reading books and yoga helped them during this difficult time. While others around were busy on video streaming apps, this couple did yoga and other physical exercises while also engaging in uplifting conversations with others. Music helped too, they said. Life had changed completely for them, but a positive, can-do attitude helped them overcome and recover from their disease.
Coping with coronavirus anxiety
On the one hand there is the fear of becoming infected with the virus. Then there is the stress of not being with our loved ones. At times our elders may be somewhere far away and us being unable to help them can be a source of concern. Worrying about their wellbeing is only natural. There is the added anxiety over business losses, and also, let’s face it: the annoyance of being cooped up at home with bored kids.
An article published in the Harvard Medical School journal recommends yoga to combat the stress and anxiety that inevitably accompanies the pandemic. The article recommends apps such as Pocket Yoga and Yoga Studio to create a healthy, welcome distraction from the stress and boredom of a lockdown. The article also recommends apps such as Calm and Headspace for meditation that will help calm down the mind and body. Specific breathing techniques are also recommended to feel calmer and more centered.
Simple aasans to do at home during the lockdown
As always I urge caution before I recommend anything – please clear any new activity; even a simple yoga regime with your doctor before starting. Do only as much as your fitness and comfort levels permit. Experts recommend certain yoga poses for improving the immunity:
Anulom vilom pranayama or alternate nostril breathing can help in keeping the nasal passages clear and is also thought to improve blood circulation and oxygenation of the body’s organs.
Viparit karni or the legs up the wall pose is also thought to improve blood circulation and aid digestion. It is also a good way to relieve stress.
Matsyasan or the fish pose is thought to relieve nasal congestion and boost energy levels.
Uttanasana or the forward bend pose helps to clear the sinuses and the mucous membranes. This aasan helps shore up the immune system as well.
The cat and cow poses are also simple and very beneficial for overall health of the body, particular the spine. Similarly, balasan or the child pose can offer the whole body a lovely stretch and help a person feel wonderfully relaxed. At a time when one gets much less physical activity than usual, these stretches are very important to stay limber and prevent stiffening up. Try to make yoga at home a group activity for the entire family – it can be a great way for the family to bond and it may just be a lot of fun for everyone – a sort of fun yoga class at home!