Social problems in Zimbabwe

He organizes free yoga in Harare every weekend

At a bar outside the Zimbabwean capital Harare, a group gathers regularly to practice yoga, writes AP.

The activity that is usually seen in the more affluent areas has spread to the country's suburbs. Behind the passes is Actions Winya. He tells the AP how the economic challenges and social pressures in the country are affecting people's mental health. Every weekend for two years, he has offered free classes in the country's suburbs.

- Yoga is expensive. But we also have people in the suburbs. They also need help with mental health, says Winya.

Yoga has become a billion-dollar industry and is practiced worldwide. A decade ago, the UN established International Yoga Day on June 21.

John, 47: My head is spinning all the time – yoga helps

In Zimbabwe's capital Harare, yoga has taken on an important role in the fight against mental illness. One of those who has found support is John Mahwaya, 47, writes AP.

In addition to his four children, he has relatives in the countryside who need his help. This weighs heavily on his mental well-being.

- My head is spinning all the time. I thought I was going crazy and the stress gave me a backache. Yoga helps me relax and clear my head, he tells the news agency.

Yoga has become a billion-dollar industry and is practiced worldwide. In several countries in Africa, it has become more common in poorer areas. A decade ago, the UN established International Yoga Day on June 21.