Women turned to yoga during pandemic to beat the blues: Survey

New Delhi: This last year, along with the impact on physical health, Covid-19 has led to many mental health challenges such as isolation, stress, anxiety and depression. This is highlighted in a recent survey conducted by Enamor, which finds that one in every two women say that the pandemic has affected their mental health in a negative way.

Staying active and fit has helped a majority of the women fight the blues. Over 60 per cent women actively took to yoga during the pandemic and say that they found it to be the best form of exercise to help beat the blues, given the lockdown conditions. An overwhelming majority, 85 per cent of women agree that yoga can help to reduce stress, and manage anxiety.

These insights are based on a survey conducted with 2200+ women pan India, by Enamor, a premium lingerie brand for women ahead of International Yoga Day.

Athleisure and 'quarantine fashion' have been on the rise during the pandemic as more and more people prefer to be comfortable, yet stylish working from home. Dressing the part is not underestimated by women. An overwhelming majority confirm the importance to 'dress right' for an activity that helps to improve performance. Nearly 94 per cent of women say that wearing the right outfit to stretch does help to make a yoga session more effective.

The benefits of yoga are well understood by women. Seventy per cent of those surveyed agreed that yoga can usher one towards a healthy lifestyle and 60 per cent preferred this activity over other forms of exercise during the pandemic for the multitude of benefits it offers. Not only does yoga help reduce stress and manage anxiety, it helps to build strength, balance and flexibility (53 per cent), elevates mood (45 per cent) and develops a positive body image (75 per cent) that contributes enormously to mental well-being.

Women are taking to working out to stay mentally and physically fit. Over 60 per cent of women surveyed claim to exercise more than 3 times a week. Many women (61 per cent) also prefer to run, walk and jog to stay active.

"Health is the new wealth and the pandemic has brought home this truth like never before. Our survey clearly points to this trend with more and more women prioritising being active today to stay both mentally and physically fit. Enamor's athleisure wear is a yoga and wellness line especially curated for the modern Indian woman. It is smart, active, transition wear -- everything that a woman needs to keep up with her active and hectic lifestyle -- while looking and feeling fabulous," said Sandra Daniels, Vice president, Enamor.