International Yoga Day 2025: Malaika Arora says yoga is key to her mental, physical health

Gurugram, June 21: The International Yoga Day was marked with a special event at DLF CyberHub on Saturday, where yoga enthusiasts gathered under the open sky to practice and reflect on the benefits of yoga. Among the attendees was actor and wellness advocate Malaika Arora, who actively participated in the session and shared her thoughts on how yoga continues to shape her life.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Malaika described yoga as "very instrumental" in her life and shared how it has helped her both mentally and physically over the years.

"I would like to say I would give a lot of credit to my genes, but yoga has been very, very instrumental in shaping a lot of my life. I feel that practicing on my mat genuinely makes me happy; it centers me, it gives me focus-- all of that. So yes, I would give a lot of credit to yoga in my life."

Malaika went on to share her thoughts on stress in everyday life and how yoga helps her stay balanced. Addressing the increasing mental pressure in today's world, she said, "Life is full of stress," and yoga can help anyone-- not just public figures-- find calm and focus.

"I feel it has nothing to do with being a public figure. Everybody, on a daily basis, deals with a lot, whether you're a public figure, a housewife, or someone working a 9-to-5 job. We all deal with physical or mental issues on a daily basis. Life is full of stress," Malaika told ANI.

"Unfortunately, we are surrounded by situations. There's so much stimuli around us, phones being one of them. Every day, looking at phones and being on social media causes a lot of anxiety and stress. So, I think people today should find ways to de-stress, whatever it may be-- whether it's being outdoors, doing yoga, swimming, or meditating. Find that one activity that works for you, and make time for yourself to de-stress and love yourself," she added.

Meanwhile, the open-air event was hosted in a peaceful setting, something Malaika said enhanced the experience.

"...it was amazing to be outdoors in such a beautiful environment under the sun like this. It truly is a blessing to be able to do something like this....that's pretty much what I do every day-- one hour on my mat, religiously," she said.

Every year, the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated on June 21. This year marks the 11th International Day of Yoga, with the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," which echoes the vital truth that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably linked.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, took part in the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, where he hailed yoga as a gift "beyond age" that transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in "health and harmony."

Reader Comments

R

Rahul K.

So proud to see yoga getting global recognition! 🇮🇳 Malaika is absolutely right - yoga isn't just about physical fitness but mental peace too. In today's stressful world, we all need this ancient Indian wisdom more than ever. #YogaForAll

P

Priya M.

While I appreciate Malaika's message, I wish she'd talk more about traditional yoga rather than the Instagram-friendly version. Yoga isn't just about looking good - it's a 5000-year-old spiritual practice. Still, good to see celebrities promoting wellness.

A

Ankit S.

Started doing yoga during lockdown and it changed my life! No more back pain and I sleep better. Malaika's right about phones causing stress - I now keep mine away during my morning surya namaskar. More companies should give yoga breaks instead of just coffee breaks!

S

Shweta R.

Love how PM Modi is taking yoga to the world stage! 👏 It's our soft power. But we need more affordable yoga classes in rural areas too - not just fancy events in CyberHub. The real benefits should reach every Indian, not just celebrities and urban elites.

V

Vikram J.

The theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" is so relevant today! Climate change stress + work stress = we need yoga more than ever. My corporate yoga group has people from all religions - proves yoga truly unites beyond boundaries. Great initiative!

N

Neha P.

Malaika looks amazing at 50! 😍 But more than looks, her message about mental health is important. In Indian families, we still don't talk enough about stress and anxiety. Maybe if more stars speak up, the stigma will reduce. Yoga + open conversations = perfect combo!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.