Russian and Dubai-based yoga instructor, Kseniia Palova, has recommended yoga as a powerful tool for people navigating stress, uncertainty, and emotional difficulties.
Speaking about her journey on Tuesday, Palova revealed that her decision to embrace yoga was born out of personal struggle while working in the United Arab Emirates.
“I used to work in Dubai and it was very stressful. I couldn’t manage it, so I quit my job,” she said.
According to her, the pressures of corporate life in the bustling city pushed her to search for alternatives that could offer balance and clarity.
That turning point came unexpectedly when she encountered a yoga training institute in Dubai; a discovery that would ultimately redefine her life’s direction.
“That was how everything started,” she noted, explaining that yoga gradually became her daily routine.
Palova emphasized that yoga, when practiced consistently, serves as an effective form of stress management.
She explained that beyond the stretching and physical poses commonly associated with the discipline, yoga provides mental calmness, emotional stability and spiritual awareness.
“Yoga with a daily routine serves as stress management,” she stated, adding that many people underestimate its deeper benefits.
Offering practical guidance, Palova shared insights into simple routines individuals can incorporate into their daily lives.
One of the breathing techniques she highlighted is Bhramari Pranayama, also known as the “humming bee breath.”
She explained that the technique involves inhaling deeply, gently humming while exhaling, and maintaining awareness of the vibration created by the sound.
“Inhale, hum, and exhale,” she described, noting that the vibration produced during the humming phase has a calming effect on the nervous system.
According to her, consistent practice of Bhramari Pranayama can significantly reduce stress levels.
“It reduces any kind of stress,” she said, encouraging individuals experiencing anxiety or emotional strain to adopt the routine, even if only for a few minutes daily.
Tracing the roots of the ancient discipline, Palova said yoga originated in India several centuries ago, describing it as a philosophy and spiritual science developed to help individuals achieve liberation.
“It helps people get liberation. It removes all negative emotions,” she said, referring to the belief within yogic philosophy that dedicated practice purifies the mind and frees individuals from accumulated actions and patterns.
She further clarified that yoga is inclusive and adaptable, noting that there are different types designed to suit varying needs, ages, and physical abilities.
“As yoga is for everyone, there are different types of yoga,” she explained.
From breathing techniques and meditation to dynamic physical sequences, Palova said each style offers unique benefits but shares the same ultimate goal restoring harmony between body, mind, and spirit.
In a fast-paced environment like Dubai, where professional and personal pressures can easily overwhelm, Palova believes yoga provides a practical and accessible pathway to resilience.
“Yoga is beyond just physical exercise,” she reiterated. “It is about understanding yourself.”
For Nigerians exploring healthier coping strategies amid ongoing societal pressures, Palova’s message is clear: start small, remain consistent, and allow yoga to gradually build resilience from within.
