Computation Life Balance

I propose establishing a small student-driven academic community in Silicon Valley as a pilot project dedicated to integrating Yoga (especially, Surya Namaskar also known as Sun Salutations) into daily routines for students who are heavily reliant on digital devices. This initiative will serve as an initiative to demonstrate the effectiveness of sun salutations in enhancing Brain(well-being) and Bytes (productivity).

Digital Overload in Modern Workspaces

In today's digital world, professionals and students are spending an average of 60 hours each week on devices like laptops, tablets, and desktops. This extended screen time, combined with sedentary work habits, is contributing to a range of challenges. Around 45% of individuals in tech-heavy roles report struggling with anxiety and depression, highlighting significant mental health concerns. Physically, about 30% experience chronic back and neck pain, often linked to poor posture and prolonged sitting. Moreover, this digital overload isn't just affecting well-being—it’s also impacting productivity, as prolonged screen use can lead to a 25% decline in cognitive performance and creativity.

Motivation

From a young age, yoga was my sanctuary. Competing and excelling in state-level yoga competitions taught me discipline and inner peace. However, transitioning into the demanding world of STEM, I faced intense academic pressures that led to significant weight gain and stress. It was only by returning to yoga and mindfulness that I rediscovered my equilibrium. This personal transformation inspired me to help people from academia to navigate the challenges of a digitally driven work environment.

Implementation

The implementation strategy is all about creating a supportive and engaging community for participants. To kick things off, we'll set up a dedicated space on Discord or Slack where everyone can connect, share resources, and support each other. Every week, there will be a guided Sun Salutation session led by Praveen Maripelly, providing expert instruction and giving participants a personalized touch to their yoga practice. To keep everyone motivated, we’ll also share daily content—like inspirational messages, practical tips, and gentle reminders to stay on track with their wellness journey. We'll run a one-month pilot to see how everything is going and measure the positive impact on participants' well-being, ensuring we’re making a real difference and looking forward to improving this initiative.

Let's Balance our Bytes

Dhyanasetu

shivamshukla4338@gmail.com
Tel. (+1)-408-334-6768, (+91)-7397461642
431 El Camino Real, 95050-CA

Why Sun Salutations, Especially?

Sun Salutations, also known as Surya Namaskar, are an incredible sequence of yoga poses along with breathing sequences that bring a wide range of physical and mental benefits—perfect for those of us who spend a lot of time working on our devices. Physically, these movements help increase flexibility and boost core strength, while also improving posture. They also support heart health by improving heart rate variability, making it a great way to stay active. On the mental side, practicing Sun Salutations can really help with stress, reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone) by 40%, which in turn helps with anxiety and depression. Plus, they help improve focus and clarity, boosting mental performance, while the rhythmic movements encourage mindfulness and resilience, making it easier to manage stress in our daily lives.

Meet your Instructor

I am thrilled to collaborate with Praveen Maripelly, a Ph.D. student from UC Davis and a professional yoga instructor with an impressive track record. Praveen received his Yoga Teacher Training Certificate from Yoganiketan, Vadodara, India (2010-11) and has since dedicated himself to the practice and teaching of yoga.

Praveen holds a remarkable achievement of completing 108 surya namaskaras (sun salutations) across 12 mountains in 7 countries, demonstrating his commitment and expertise in this discipline. His extensive experience and passion for yoga make him an invaluable asset to this project, ensuring that participants receive high-quality guidance and support throughout their wellness journey.

I truly appreciate his time and efforts in bringing this idea to life.

If You are Interested

Join me and Praveen Maripelly in this initiative. By becoming one of the first 15-20 motivated individuals, you can take a proactive step towards enhancing your physical and mental well-being while contributing to a sustainable model that has the potential to benefit the broader community.

To join our exclusive pilot program, please fill out this Form Here.

Thank you for supporting this initiative. We look forward to welcoming you to this community.

Contra-indications: Who Should Avoid or Modify Practice

While Sun Salutations offer many health benefits, certain individuals need to exercise caution or avoid the practice altogether. People experiencing fever or inflammation conditions should discontinue until symptoms resolve. Those with conditions like high blood pressure, coronary diseases, hernias, or recent strokes should avoid it, as it may pose health risks. Individuals with specific back issues like slipped discs or sciatica should consult a medical professional before practising. Special considerations also apply to women during menstruation or pregnancy. During the onset of menstruation, sun salutations should be avoided. If there are no adverse effects, practice may be resumed after the initial flow or towards the end of the period. During pregnancy, sun salutations may be practiced with care until the beginning of the twelfth week. Following childbirth, practice may commence approximately forty days after delivery to re-tone the uterine muscles.