A survey by ASSOCHAM has revealed that over 53% of corporate firms are opting for yoga sessions at the workplace in a bid to boost productivity and reduce attrition rate. The survey also revealed that a workplace wellness programme “increases employee’s loyalty, improves work performance, boosts productivity and reduces attrition rate”.
Need more proof that it works?
Here are six reasons why doing yoga can help boost your productivity and help you destress:
1. Beats stress
The ASSOCHAM survey noted that over 40.5% of corporate employees sleep less than six hours a day and blame it on high stress levels. Mental and emotional stress are top factors that can affect employee health and productivity; they can also aggravate ailments and conditions, be it colds and allergies or diabetes and heart disease. A few yoga exercises practiced daily can help regulate breathing and relax the body by gently releasing tension.
Try Utkatasana, Ardha Chandrasena, Salabhasana
2. Improves concentration and focus
A workplace is synonymous with long meetings and stressful deadlines – though not always. Taking time out to meditate or for deep-breathing exercises can help you consciously quiet your mind whenever you feel overwhelmed. It regulates the oxygen flow in your blood, thus making you more alert and aware which in turn helps you concentrate on tasks and make better decisions.
Try Sarvangasana, Ustrasana, Virabhadrasana II
3. Helps deal with physical ailments
A desk job is synonymous with a sedentary lifestyle and health issues if you are not physically active. Constantly staring at a computer screen and pounding away at the keyboard can affect your eyes and may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Result? Drop in productivity. Keep physical problems such as headaches, neck pains, shoulder stiffness and arthritis at bay by practising yoga regularly.
Try Trikonasana, Purvottanasana, Vajrasana
4. Boosts your immune system
Antibiotics and medicines help tackle the symptoms of an ailment but yoga gets to the root of the problem and strengthens your immune system. This means lesser sick days and much more fun at work over the year!
Try Shishusana, Setu Bandhasana, Halasana, Bhujangasana
5. Reduces fatigue and increases energy
Working non-stop leads to stress and fatigue. You may not feel it but it builds up over the work day and week. Standing up, stretching or practising mindful meditation every couple of hours helps increase blood circulation. This translates into lesser fatigue and higher levels of energy.
Try Vinyasa, Eka Pada Rajakapotanasana
6. Makes you feel more positive
Yoga helps you feel your best, physically, mentally and emotionally. Since you are focused, energetic and creative, you are likely to exude confidence a better mood, which will help your workplace dealings. Everyone will want to work with you!
Try Virabhadrasana II, Virabhadrasana III, Utkatasana
Taking just 10 minutes off work every day for yoga can help you be more relaxed, healthy and focused. Apart from the poses mentioned above, try Surya Namaskar, Adho Mukha Svanasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Crescent Lunge and the Tree Pose to boost your productivity.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is one way to achieve professional success. Click here to read more.
You may also like:
