Yoga: A path to inner harmony and planetary health

June 21, 2025

As the world celebrate the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, Saima Wazed, Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region, has called on people to embrace yoga not merely as a physical activity, but as a transformative journey toward inner peace and sustainable living.

The theme for this year’s celebration, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underscores the deep connection between individual well-being and the health of the planet—a connection that yoga, with its ancient roots in harmony and mindfulness, has long recognized. “Yoga is more than just physical exercise. It is a journey towards inner peace and harmony, and teaches us to listen to our bodies and to live mindfully,” said Wazed, speaking ahead of the global observance.

Yoga, with its emphasis on breath, posture, and awareness, encourages a state of being that is both grounded and expansive. Wazed believes that by adopting yoga into daily life, individuals can begin to cultivate a greater sense of awareness—not only of their bodies and minds but also of the environment around them. “In a world facing u n p r e c e d e n t e d environmental challenges, y o ga o f fe r s a p a t h t o s u s t a i n a b i l i ty by encouraging us to live simply, consume mindfully, and respect the natural world,” she noted. This year’s theme is especially significant at a time when the planet faces rising levels of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate-related health risks.

According to Wazed, embracing yoga’s principles of simplicity and mindfulness can lead to a meaningful reduction in humanity’s ecological footprint. “Yoga reminds us to protect clean air, pure water, and fertile soil—resources that are essential not only for our personal well-being but for the well-being of future generations,” she said. The health benefits of yoga are well-documented. Citing several scientific studies, Wazed emphasized that yoga has profound effects on both physical and mental health.

For instance, regular practice can improve muscular strength, flexibility, and balance. In a survey, 77 percent of people reported feeling physically stronger after practicing yoga consistently. Yoga has also shown promise in reducing inflammation—a common factor in chronic diseases. Research reveals that more than 80 percent of individuals with chronic inflammation saw a nearly 50 percent decrease in symptoms after just six weeks of daily yoga. Its mental health benefits are equally compelling. A study conducted by Harvard Medical School found that 60 percent of participants suffering from depression experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after practicing yoga twice a week for eight weeks.

“Yoga helps us manage stress, reduce anxiety, and cultivate resilience,” Wazed said. “It is not only a personal practice, but a social and environmental one, because when we are in harmony with ourselves, we tend to be in harmony with others and with the world.” As communities around the globe roll out mats and gather in public parks, heritage sites, and homes to mark the 11th edition of International Day of Yoga, Wazed’s message is clear: each breath we take is a reminder of our connection to the Earth, and every moment spent in mindfulness is a step toward creating a healthier, more harmonious world. “Let us celebrate this International Day of Yoga by recognizing the power of mind-body balance,” she said. “Let us create a world of health and harmony—of mind, body, and planet.”