The Benefits of Yoga to Your Professional Life

The Benefits of Yoga to Your Professional Life

The Benefits of Yoga to Your Professional Life



A study done by University of Bristol researchers found that employees who exercised before or during work were more productive throughout the workday. There’s also improvement in their general mood on the days they exercise.

With many proven health benefits, yoga is increasingly finding its way into the workplace. Some companies have incorporated yoga into their wellness programs, and have reaped benefits for the employees and consequently, the business.

So how exactly can yoga be good for professionals like you?

 

Reduces Stress



Research suggests that yoga’s emotional impact can help people handle stress better. A Harvard Medical School study found that regular yoga practice helps reduce anxiety, and improves moods in high-stress situations. Learning to adjust emotions to career stress is a skill anyone can learn with practice. And yoga helps, as it teaches to move through discomfort, and to have patience.

 

Boosts Self-Confidence



All yoga enthusiasts struggled in their first class with some discomfort and pain. But like most exercises and sports, you just have to practice to be good at it. Eventually, as you master difficult contortions, you build confidence, creating a sense of strength and skill. And this is important, not only on a yoga mat, but also in the office. Having a strong sense of confidence will enable you to handle any pressure or difficulty in the workplace.

 

Teaches Self-Discipline



Excelling in yoga requires a commitment to get on the mat regularly. The philosophy of mindfulness encourages you to improve skills gradually through daily work. You don’t burn yourself out by working 24/7 or competing with others. You focus on yourself instead, and make conscious and responsible decisions.

 

How to Fit Yoga Into Your Busy Schedule

1. Planning ahead

Calendar your yoga days. It helps when you look ahead and block off any free time for yoga. This way, you’re less likely to let something else get in the way. And if something more important does come up, you don’t ignore the schedule completely. Just move it to a different time.

2. Setting goals

Think about what’s difficult for you. If there’s a particular pose that proves to be challenging, set a goal on that. Commit to taking on different challenges, and try to achieve them within a given period of time.

3. Taking it to work

If your workplace offers free yoga classes as part of a wellness program, then you’re lucky. You just have to bring your yoga mat to work! But what if your office doesn’t have that? Well, there’s no need to limit your yoga practice to the times you can be on your mat! Pain Free Working’s guide to desk-based yoga enumerates a few poses you can do during quick breaks at work. A good one’s called the “Desk Chaturanga,” which is simply the yoga version of desk push-ups! Just make sure your desk is sturdy enough to bear your weight while pressing against its edge.

4. Spending time with your partner

Sometimes, it can be hard to beat laziness. Having someone to work out with you is good motivation. Meshayla Green’s feature on partner-yoga benefits cites how Acro Yoga allows two people to reach a required level of connection in order to raise and lift the other partner. It is also a good way to build trust.

5. Exploring classes

There are so many variations of yoga that many classes offer. Why not explore a class on a stressful day, like Gentle Soul Flow? Or if you’re into trap beats, perhaps you try Trap Yoga session! Find a class that works for you, and you might just discover a community to empower you as well in the practice of yoga.



Written by Angeline Leslie Margery

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