Life today is fast-paced for everyone, be it corporate professionals, college students or homemakers. A homemaker’s job may seem routine, but it is actually quite complex. While it may seem that homemakers have a lot of time at their disposal, they alone know how difficult it is to take time out for themselves, be it for relaxation or fitness, when they juggle many responsibilities. Many women choose yoga for their fitness routine, as it can be practiced at home. In the context of World Yoga Day, which will be observed June 21, Orissa POST talked to a few women who have chosen yoga to stay fit.
Lopamudra Rout, a homemaker of Jajpur, said, “I admit I am absolutely bad at exercising. In fact, I hate to exercise. I am so bogged down by my daily household work that I can never make it to the gym regularly. So far, I have been blessed with good health and don’t need workouts to remain fit. But now it’s becoming increasingly apparent to me that I need to exercise daily. I find it convenient to do yoga as I do not have to attend a class. I don’t have to skip housework. Even if I have limited time, I can do yoga to keep myself fit.”
Madhusmita Bisoi, who runs a stationery shop in Cuttack, said, she suffers from chronic neck and shoulder pain. “The problem becomes acute when I stand for a long time in my shop or kitchen. I tried allopathic drugs but to no avail. My cousin advised me to try yoga. I tried it after watching a YouTube clip. Two or three months later, there was some relief in my neck and shoulder pain. After my daily household work, I spend time at my shop, so I get less time for fitness routines, but practice of yoga has made me healthier. Now I can’t think of a day without doing yoga.”
Sonia Nayak, an IT professional who works from her home in Bhubaneswar said, “I have to sit for a long time in front of my computer at night as all my clients are from the USA and it is daytime for them. Gradually, I developed a sleeping disorder. I thought physical exercise will help me sleep better, but after my marriage I found it difficult to make time for exercise. When I consulted a doctor, he advised me to try yoga daily. Now my sleeping disorder has been solved and I feel relaxed.”
Cuttack-based gynaecologist Anita Singh said, “Many patients ask me how to reduce weight after pregnancy. Women who undergo C-section have more issues of weight imbalance than others. I have one solution for all: Yoga. New mothers cannot be medicated or put on dietary restrictions as they have to feed their baby. Yoga is a good way for women to keep fit.”
Soyong, OP