IIIT-Hyderabad in association with NSS conducted a series of workshops from 24 – 29 September at Nirvana NBH Yoga Hall. Topics covered included:
Happiness through Laughter Yoga
Stress related diseases like depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, nervous breakdowns, heart diseases, ulcers, etc. are on the rise It has long been recognized that stress weakens the immune system, leaving one more vulnerable to illness. Science has proven that the body cannot differentiate between simulated and real laughter.
As the person laughs, carbon dioxide is driven out of the body to be replaced by oxygen-rich air, providing physical and mental freshness. Laughter produces anti-inflammatory agents, which can avoid back pain or arthritis and also encourages muscles to relax, and exercises muscles all over the body, from the scalp to the legs. It reduces levels of the stress hormones, aids immune system responses, exercises facial muscles to prevent sagging and boosts the production of ‘feel-good’ endorphin hormones
Stress Management
According to a recent study, almost 90% of people experience high levels of stress. Not only is it today’s No.1 killer in the world but also causes tremendous loss in terms of productivity, money and creativity.
The causes of stress may be internal and external such as illness, personality traits, environmental factors, daily hassles, social interactions and various events. Stress is part of our body’s natural response of “fight or flight” to protect ourselves from external factors.
In olden days, stress was short-lasting which allowed a human to grow and survive but these days stress is a long lasting or even a continuous process, which results in detrimental effects on body and mind. Stress then manifests into acute/chronic diseases and eventually leads to death.
There have been many methods of relief and adaptation from stressful situations. These methods are not that effective to handle such immense stress. In fact, Stress is still rising especially amongst youngsters in the name of competition and success.
Yoga has a holistic approach which takes into account every dimension of human personality like physical, pranic (vital energy), manasic (Psychological), intellectual, social and above all spiritual. This helps man attain bliss (Ananda / happiness). These yogic learnings attempted to arm participants with the most powerful anti-stress weapon known to man … “Ananda”
Pranayam and Mudra
The programme included various breathing techniques to help develop concentration, stability and also purify and calm the mind. These techniques help to reduce blood pressure, asthma, insomnia and eliminate psychosomatic disorder. They also bring cheer and joy.
MSRT – Mind and sound resonance technique
MSRT is one of the advanced Yoga Techniques for achieving positive health, will-power, concentration, good memory and deep relaxation. MSRT generates resonance throughout the body by repetition of mental sounds. This helps in revitalizing the internal energy in the body.
OMkar Dhyan
OM the symbol of Truth (the Brahman) is the cosmic sound. In OMkar meditation technique the word OM was used to realize the true spirit (essence of all creation). This meditation technique calms down the mind.