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Did you know that International Day of Yoga is actually a fairly new celebration that first started on 21st June 2015? Derived from Sanskrit which means ‘to unite’, yoga represents the connection of the mind and body, and is celebrated to raise awareness of its numerous perks for our health.
This year, the celebration aims to address the mental health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic with the theme of yoga for well-being. As movement restrictions are constantly tightened, loosened and prolonged with no foreseeable end, there’s no denying that many of us have been affected both physically and mentally. Fortunately, yoga plays a role in helping to ease our struggles, thanks to its deep breathing techniques, meditation and stretching exercises albeit in isolation. For many, it’s become a means of therapy to staying sane and has been helpful in relieving stress and anxiety.
We understand that practising yoga doesn’t come naturally to everyone, so if yoga at home proves to be a challenge for you, fret not cos Apple and its devices have got you covered with a few tips you can incorporate to boost your experience and gain total relaxation, no matter if you’re a newbie or a pro!
1. Focus on your breathing with the Breathe App and AirPods Pro
If you’re practising yoga at home without any guidance, it may slip your mind to keep breathing from time to time. This is where the Breathe App on your Apple Watch comes in handy as it guides and monitors your breathing and even reminds you to take a moment to breathe. Pair it with the AirPods Pro and you’d have a completely blissful experience as the device comes with Active Noise Cancellation to block out the outside world and lets you focus on your breathing or, if you’re following a virtual class, tuned in to your instructor’s voice.
“For yoga beginners, wearing the AirPods during an online session is so important. I always tell my students to not look too much into the screens at me, but instead, to enjoy the practice by listening to me. They can even close their eyes when they practise because I sound like I'm right next to them when they’re listening through the AirPods.” – Atilia Haron, Singer & yoga instructor
2. Set the mood with Apple Music’s Yoga Playlists
A yoga session isn’t complete without the right tunes to go with it. Whether you’re working on challenging poses or simply meditating, browse through Apple Music’s own playlists of yoga tracks from house-influenced tribal beats to calm and peaceful melodies to accompany you.
3. Try Yoga apps to stay motivated
Before the pandemic, using workout apps was more of a secondary need as we were able to visit our favourite yoga studios. But as the series of MCOs continues to disrupt our lives, we’re giving them a second chance. Some of our favourites include Pocket Yoga and Yoga | Daily Yoga for Everyone as they’re both Apple Watch-compatible and come with guided sessions and explanations on the different yoga poses there are, no matter your experience. What we love about these apps is that they offer programs that help you achieve your workout goals too!
“In whatever you do, remaining consistent will help you build a solid foundation for yourself! If you find it difficult to stay consistent, keep up to date with reminders! I set mine on my phone and my Apple Watch.” – Nor Soraya, Fitness trainer
PSST…
For one day only (that’s today!), Apple Watch users will be able to score a limited-edition award and Messages stickers by recording at least a 20-minute yoga workout! Here’s a sneak peek of them:
Did you know that International Day of Yoga is actually a fairly new celebration that first started on 21st June 2015? Derived from Sanskrit which means ‘to unite’, yoga represents the connection of the mind and body, and is celebrated to raise awareness of its numerous perks for our health.
This year, the celebration aims to address the mental health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic with the theme of yoga for well-being. As movement restrictions are constantly tightened, loosened and prolonged with no foreseeable end, there’s no denying that many of us have been affected both physically and mentally. Fortunately, yoga plays a role in helping to ease our struggles, thanks to its deep breathing techniques, meditation and stretching exercises albeit in isolation. For many, it’s become a means of therapy to staying sane and has been helpful in relieving stress and anxiety.
We understand that practising yoga doesn’t come naturally to everyone, so if yoga at home proves to be a challenge for you, fret not cos Apple and its devices have got you covered with a few tips you can incorporate to boost your experience and gain total relaxation, no matter if you’re a newbie or a pro!
1. Focus on your breathing with the Breathe App and AirPods Pro
If you’re practising yoga at home without any guidance, it may slip your mind to keep breathing from time to time. This is where the Breathe App on your Apple Watch comes in handy as it guides and monitors your breathing and even reminds you to take a moment to breathe. Pair it with the AirPods Pro and you’d have a completely blissful experience as the device comes with Active Noise Cancellation to block out the outside world and lets you focus on your breathing or, if you’re following a virtual class, tuned in to your instructor’s voice.
“For yoga beginners, wearing the AirPods during an online session is so important. I always tell my students to not look too much into the screens at me, but instead, to enjoy the practice by listening to me. They can even close their eyes when they practise because I sound like I'm right next to them when they’re listening through the AirPods.” – Atilia Haron, Singer & yoga instructor
2. Set the mood with Apple Music’s Yoga Playlists
A yoga session isn’t complete without the right tunes to go with it. Whether you’re working on challenging poses or simply meditating, browse through Apple Music’s own playlists of yoga tracks from house-influenced tribal beats to calm and peaceful melodies to accompany you.
3. Try Yoga apps to stay motivated
Before the pandemic, using workout apps was more of a secondary need as we were able to visit our favourite yoga studios. But as the series of MCOs continues to disrupt our lives, we’re giving them a second chance. Some of our favourites include Pocket Yoga and Yoga | Daily Yoga for Everyone as they’re both Apple Watch-compatible and come with guided sessions and explanations on the different yoga poses there are, no matter your experience. What we love about these apps is that they offer programs that help you achieve your workout goals too!
“In whatever you do, remaining consistent will help you build a solid foundation for yourself! If you find it difficult to stay consistent, keep up to date with reminders! I set mine on my phone and my Apple Watch.” – Nor Soraya, Fitness trainer
PSST…
For one day only (that’s today!), Apple Watch users will be able to score a limited-edition award and Messages stickers by recording at least a 20-minute yoga workout! Here’s a sneak peek of them:
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Now that you’re equipped to elevate your yoga sessions at home, here’s a virtual event you can take part in with the rest of the world in celebration of International Day of Yoga. Broadcasting live from 8:30pm to 10:30pm tonight on UN WebTV, the event will feature demonstrations that focus on physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health. Remember to take a deep breath and have fun!
Featured image: Oksana Taran/Unsplash
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