Technology has played an important role in raising income levels substantially in India and the rest of the world. But it has also brought with it a new set of challenges.

Economic prosperity is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it helps us to fight diseases better, it generates better incomes, and it provides access to better education. On the other, it promotes physical inactivity, with our health and fitness being the casualties.

Modern lifestyle makes huge demands on our time, leaving us with little time to take care of our health and to de-stress from the pressures of daily life.

A change in lifestyle brought on by innovations and advancement in technology is largely irreversible. Key is to make certain changes to your lifestyle. Ancient Indian practices like Yoga, which are steadily gaining in popularity worldwide, may provide the answers.

Yoga is a pre-vedic Indian practice that deals with spiritual, physical and mental aspects of life.
It helps to strengthen body’s immune system through exercise or asanas, adoption of a healthful diet and by leading of a simple, disciplined lifestyle.

Yoga is a way of life which demands dedication and diligent practice. For those of us for whom time is a constraint, Surya Namaskar or Salutations to the Sun is a great option.

Surya Namaskar may be performed at various levels, from the very basic to a complete ‘Sadhana,’ (a means of accomplishing something or meeting one’s objective or goal) depending on your needs, interest, and amount of time you can devote.

Life on earth owes its very existence to the Sun, around which it revolves. Surya namaskara acknowledges this fact and provides us with a way of paying our respects and expressing our gratitude to the Sun for supporting life on our planet.

Surya Namaskar is performed ideally before sunrise and is made up of 12 asanas or postures, which are performed in a particular order and may be repeated as many times as may be possible.

Let us look at the benefits of performing Surya Namaskar regularly:

It encourages you to rise early and sleep early. This simple but often neglected act is essential for our good health and well being.
This means no late night TV watching and switching off lights early, resulting in savings on your energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint.
Improved blood circulation will help you think better and increased blood supply to all your vital organs, which is essential for your good health.
Better and restful sleep during regular hours(10PM to 4AM) is what our body needs and the regular practice of Surya Namaskar helps you to achieve it.

To conclude, apart from the improved physical health, you will find yourself more cheerful, energetic and patient than ever before.

The disciplined life style will calm your mind, and make you less irritable.

You will also find that you have more time for your family, friends and also for social causes.