According to experts, yoga is not just a physical exercise – it is a way of life, a guiding principle that brings balance to the mind, body and spirit. Yoga has been part of India’s heritage for millennia, deeply rooted in our culture and traditions.
From burnout to balance:
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Gunjan Adhya, founder of Tula Journey and a certified expressive arts therapist opined, “The wisdom of yoga is much deeper than we often realize; it is a science that teaches us how to cultivate inner peace and mental clarity in the face of life’s challenges. In today’s fast-paced world, where the balance between academic pressures, personal responsibilities and emotional well-being can seem overwhelming, yoga offers a way to find your Tula, which means balance.”
The academic journey, both for students and continuing education professionals, can be challenging, as the demands to succeed, meet deadlines and stay competitive can take a toll on mental and emotional health. Often we find ourselves caught up in the race to achieve more, which leads to burnout, stress and lack of focus.
Improve your day with these simple yoga techniques:
Gunjan Adya suggested, “It is at such times that the practice of yoga serves as a powerful tool to restore balance and maintain harmony between academic and personal life. Pranayama can greatly improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and increase focus. All you need is a little pause to change your day. Allow yourself to let go of everything that happened with three deep breaths – “inhale” with a pause of 3 seconds, then “exhale” do this 3 times. Pranayama is one of my favorite ways to bring myself into the present moment. This practice helps us detach from the constant stream of thoughts and allows us to focus on ourselves.’
She further recommended, “Quick breathing exercises such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) can be very effective for students during stressful times such as exams or assignments. This technique helps balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain, leading to improved concentration and a sense of calm. It’s a simple but powerful way to clear your mind and restore your energy. In addition to pranayama, incorporating gentle yoga poses, such as child’s pose or seated forward bend, can help release physical tension built up in the body, especially in the neck and shoulder areas, which are commonly injured during prolonged sitting or exercise. These postures not only relieve physical stress, but also promote mental relaxation.”
Gunjan Adya shared, “The beauty of yoga is its ability to teach us to be fully present, even in the midst of life’s chaos. Whether we’re studying for exams, preparing for a presentation, or completing personal duties, yoga reminds us that we can find peace in every breath. The practice serves as a gentle reminder that life is not only about the end goal, but also about staying in touch with yourself along the way. Finding balance with yoga isn’t about adding another activity to your already busy to-do list. It’s about integrating simple practices that help restore balance in your academic and personal life, allowing you to thrive, not just survive.”
She concluded, “So the next time you feel down, take a deep breath, pause, and come back to the present moment. You’d be surprised how powerful a single breath can be to help you regain your balance. Focus on the stillness of your physical environment and allow your body to relax with each exhalation. Always remember, you are where you are meant to be”.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
