Mysore/Mysuru: Studies and personal experiences of people have shown that the practice of asana, pranayama and dhyana have the ability to still not only the mind but also the body, thus lowering anxiety levels and stress, said Senior Civil Judge Devaraja Boothe.

He was speaking after inaugurating a special lecture programme on stress relief at Crawford Hall on Wednesday, jointly organised by the Department of Studies, Social Work, University of Mysore and District Mental Health programme as part of World Mental Health Day.

Yoga has long been known to be a great antidote to stress. Yoga combines many popular stress-reducing techniques, including exercise and learning to control the breath, clear the mind, and relax the body, he said.

“Establishing a consistent yoga routine is the best way to experience the difference yoga can make. What we are seeing now these days is that many youths, as well as professionals, are giving more importance to physical health than mental health,” he said.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and it affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood, he added. “In this competitive age, there is increased stress factor and every field has its own pressure scenarios. The judicial system also has its own stressful aspects for the litigants, advocates and judges. A disciplined lifestyle combined with Yoga and meditation can lead to good mental and physical well-being,” Devaraja Boothe said.

University of Mysore Vice- Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar said that mental health is the foundation for individual well-being and the effective functioning of a community. When in a state of good mental health, a person has a generally positive outlook and can accomplish daily tasks, maintain relationships and engage in meaningful recreation.

The World Health Organisation has reported a sharp rise in the number of people experiencing mental illness in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating mental health problems throughout the world. “It is more important than ever to address mental health issues to stay mentally healthy and keep up with educational and personal goals,” the VC opined.

District Health Officer Dr. K.H. Prasad felt that it is necessary to set boundaries and communicate needs and seek help in case of need. “We need to be flexible to changing circumstance and there should be no shame in seeking out mental healthcare just as one would not feel shame in seeking medical care for physical health issues,” he said.

Prof. Venkatesh of the Department of Psychology gave a special lecture on mental health and said every individual has one or other kind of pressure. “We must accept challenges and cope with stress effectively and there are many solutions for stress relief and safeguarding mental health,” he said. Registrar Prof. R. Shivappa, Social Work Department Head Dr. Jyothi, District Mental Health Officer Dr. Manjuprasad and others were present.