1. Yoga reduces Stress by triggering the Relaxation Response.
This is achieved through conscious breathing, practicing poses, learning relaxation techniques, and meditation. The antidote to the Stress Response is the Relaxation Response, which activates the para-sympathetic nervous system. More importantly, yoga teaches us how to remain peaceful in the face of discomfort and challenge. We learn the art of surrender to hold a painful pose and breathe — learning how to sit in pain is critical to building resilience in the workplace as not all days are amazing!
2. Yoga helps us pay attention and sleep well
Many people notice that they are more physically, mentally and emotionally self-aware. Often, this self-awareness begins by paying attention to our breath and all its habits. Then, we move to our thought cycles, and finally, to where we hold tension in our bodies. I have learnt through yoga, how to switch off my mind at sleep time and my sleep has really improved. A rested employee is 85% more effectual!
3. Yoga heals our bodies and minds.
The poses, conscious breathing and visualisation serve as therapy to reduce physical pain, as well as emotional anxiety. Yoga allows us to free our emotions in poses and has a massive impact on our well being. Feeling a sense of emotional freedom is a great place to be whilst working!
4.Yoga reminds us to take one moment at a time. Don’t judge, just observe.
We observe our thoughts when we do yoga and begin to take responsibility for our inner dialogue. It teaches us to simply observe and not judge — some days you will balance well and other days you will wobble wildly. Just observe and don’t judge yourself. A workplace full of judgement and gossip is toxic — learning to observe is a healthy business behaviour. Learning to pause is powerful.
5. Yoga allows us to be playful and curious /childlike. The childlike fun of yoga is like child’s play.
Recently I observed my surf club yoga class, all ages 28–68 all helping each other with a leg poses up the wall! As adults we spend too much time in our heads being serious and responsible. Yoga brings back child’s play. The more playful we are, the more people will gravitate to our energy.
Neoteny — is ageing yet retaining the childlike behaviour traits of spontaneity, creativity and a sense of wonder!
Certainly, the yogic benefits go beyond this list…in my experience, yoga can help us to experience the best life ever and bring this to our workplace. Additionally, Yoga mentoring also helps! Yoga mentoring can be especially advantageous if you’re talkative! You can have a friend, teacher as well as a therapist-all in one person!
Accepting yourself, letting go of judgement and finding the fun child within!
Simone Allan