Chapter 1: What is Yoga?

Yoga is not just exercise, it is a lifestyle. In this book I will share how doing 10 minutes of yoga daily helped me with stress and focus. Many people think yoga is only for flexible people, but that is not true. Yoga is for everyone, whether you are a student, a mother, or working in an office.

What is Yoga really? The word Yoga comes from Sanskrit word 'Yuj' which means to join. It joins our body, mind and soul together. It is an ancient practice from India, more than 5000 years old. Our rishis and munis used to do yoga for peace, health and long life. Today the whole world is celebrating Yoga, because they have understood its power.

In today's busy life, we all face stress, anxiety, back pain, and lack of focus. I also faced the same problem. I am a student from Gorakhpur, and due to long hours of studies, tuition and continuous phone use, I always had headache, back pain and tension. I could not focus on my work. My sleep was also disturbed. Then my teacher suggested me to start simple yoga. At first I thought it will be boring, but after trying for one week, my life changed.

Why should we do Yoga daily? There are many reasons. First, it reduces stress. When we do breathing exercises, our mind becomes calm. Second, it improves flexibility and strength. You don't need to go to gym and lift heavy weights. Simple stretching in yoga makes your body strong and flexible. Third, it helps in weight loss and digestion. Asanas like Surya Namaskar burn many calories. Fourth, it improves concentration and memory, which is very helpful for students like me. Fifth, it gives you better sleep and glowing skin because your blood circulation becomes better.

My daily 10 minute routine which anyone can follow: 1. First 2 minutes - Deep breathing (Anulom Vilom and Kapalabhati). Just sit in Sukhasana, close your eyes and breathe slowly. Inhale from one nostril and exhale from other. It calms the mind instantly and gives fresh oxygen to brain. 2. Next 3 minutes - Surya Namaskar. It is a full body exercise with 12 steps. It is the best yoga for beginners. It makes your body flexible and strong. It helps in weight loss also and makes your spine healthy. 3. Next 3 minutes - Simple Asanas. I do Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) for back pain relief, Tadasana (Mountain pose) for good height and posture, Vajrasana after eating for better digestion, and Balasana (Child pose) for relaxation. 4. Last 2 minutes - Meditation and Shavasana. Just lie down on your back, close your eyes and relax your full body. Think positive. You will feel more happy and peaceful. This 2 minutes is most important. Benefits I personally felt in just 30 days of doing this routine: 1. My stress level reduced by almost 80 percent. Now I feel calm even in difficult situations. 2. My focus on studies increased a lot. I can study for 2 hours continuously without getting distracted. 3. My sleep became better and deeper. Earlier I used to scroll my phone till 1 AM at night, now I feel sleepy at 11 PM and sleep peacefully. 4. My back pain and neck pain which was due to sitting long hours for study, is completely gone. 5. I feel more positive, confident and energetic whole day. I don't feel lazy in morning. You do not need any expensive yoga mat or gym membership. You can do it on a bedsheet or blanket at home. You don't need any teacher in beginning, you can watch simple videos. Start today with simple Surya Namaskar. Even 10 minutes daily is enough, but be regular. Consistency is more important than doing 1 hour for one day and then stopping for one week.

Yoga also teaches us discipline, patience and self-love. It is not about making a perfect pose for photo, it is about getting perfect peace inside. When you do yoga, you connect with yourself, you listen to your body.

In the next chapters of this book, I will explain each asana step by step with proper method, benefits and precautions for students, housewives and office workers.

So I request you to start your yoga journey today. Give just 10 minutes to your body. Your body and mind will thank you for your whole life. Start today with simple Surya Namaskar and see the magic.