Embracing Wellness Through Yoga: Session by Dr. Aiswarya V R

On 18th June 2025, the Department of Sociology, organized an engaging orientation session titled “Embrace Wellness through Yoga Techniques” to mark the International Day of Yoga 2025. The event was conducted in Room C907, Central Block, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, with 44 student participants in attendance.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Aiswarya V R (MSc, PhD), Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. With her expertise in psychology and student wellness, Dr. Aiswarya guided students through both the philosophy and practice of yoga, weaving together ancient wisdom with contemporary lifestyle needs.

The workshop was built around the Five Points of Yoga, a holistic framework that emphasizes:

1. Proper Exercise (Asana) – to keep the body flexible and strong.

2. Proper Breathing (Prāṇāyāma) – to enhance energy and focus.

3. Proper Relaxation (Śavāsana) – to reduce stress and refresh the mind.

4. Proper Diet (Balanced Nutrition) – to support overall health.

5. Positive Thinking and Meditation – to nurture emotional balance and inner clarity.

Students actively participated in gentle stretches, forward bends, and Trikonasana, while also practicing synchronized breathing techniques. Dr. Aiswarya further guided them through relaxation and mindfulness exercises, enabling participants to experience stress relief and improved bodily awareness in real time.

The session highlighted that yoga is not merely a fitness routine but a way of life, encouraging balance, self-awareness, and resilience. Students discovered how adopting yogic principles could support them in managing academic stress, emotional challenges, and lifestyle balance.

Feedback from the participants reflected that the session was calming, purposeful, and enriching, leaving many with a renewed perspective on integrating wellness practices into their daily routines.

The theme of this year’s International Yoga Day, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” served as a reminder that personal well-being is deeply connected to the well-being of society and the environment. By introducing students to yoga in the very beginning of their academic journey, the session underscored how education at CHRIST is not only about intellectual growth but also about nurturing the whole person—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Through initiatives like this, the Department of Sociology reaffirms its commitment to fostering holistic student development. In collaboration with the Department of Psychology, it continues to provide platforms where wellness, reflection, and academic rigor go hand in hand. Such sessions prepare students not only to succeed academically but also to navigate life with mindfulness, resilience, and social responsibility.