AHPGS(Accreditation Agency in Health and Social Sciences)
18 June 2025 Wednesday
A Message of Healthy Living and Awareness on International Yoga Day
Research Assistant Esra Özer from the Department of Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University, shared insights on June 21, International Yoga Day. Özer emphasized the importance of healthcare professionals, in particular, turning to complementary practices such as yoga—not only to protect their own well-being but also to guide their clients more effectively.
The Importance of International Yoga Day
Stating that International Yoga Day, proclaimed by the United Nations in 2014 and celebrated globally on June 21 each year through various events, aims to raise awareness about healthy lifestyle habits, Research Assistant Esra Özer said, “This day is not only about promoting a form of physical exercise, but also about introducing a philosophy that enhances quality of life. Yoga helps establish a balance between body, mind, and spirit, increases individual awareness, and strengthens the ability to cope with stress.”
Nursing and Complementary Practices
Emphasizing that the nursing profession should be carried out not only with clinical knowledge but also with a holistic understanding of health, Özer stated, “Healthcare professionals are responsible for assessing not only a person's illness, but also their lifestyle, stress levels, emotional state, and overall quality of life. In this regard, yoga can be a valuable tool to strengthen psychological resilience and enhance the quality of life for both individuals and healthcare providers.”
Özer also encouraged nursing students and young professionals in the field of health sciences to explore the scientific aspects of complementary practices such as yoga and to become knowledgeable enough to integrate these methods into patient care processes. “Evidence-based complementary health practices can play a supportive role in modern medicine and contribute positively to patients’ treatment processes,” she said.
Increased Awareness After the Pandemic
Recalling that physical activity and maintaining mental balance became even more important following the COVID-19 pandemic, Özer noted that practices like yoga, which can be done at home, helped individuals protect both their bodies and minds during periods of social isolation. “During the pandemic, people experienced heightened anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. In such times, practices like yoga emerged as effective tools for achieving both physical and mental balance,” she explained.
The Role of Awareness Events in Public Health
Highlighting that awareness days like International Yoga Day present important opportunities to promote healthy living in society, Özer emphasized that events organized by universities and health education institutions on such special days can help encourage positive behavioral changes in individuals. She concluded by saying, “As institutions, we must treat these special days not just as symbolic observances but as opportunities to lay the groundwork for sustainable healthy lifestyle habits.”
