If you have a desk-bound job you’re probably no stranger to the aches and pains that come with it, a strained neck, slouched back and tight hips. Sitting for prolonged periods of time puts a lot of strain on your body, leading to muscle tightness, poor circulation, and joint stiffness. If left unaddressed, this can lead to chronic pain and even more serious health problems down the line.
However, there is a simple and effective solution to mitigate the harmful effects of prolonged sitting: Office Yoga.
What is Office Yoga?
Bring All the Advantages of Yoga into the Workplace!
A type of yoga called “office yoga” is intended to be practised while working in an office. Office yoga poses are intended to help people with common issues related to sitting at a desk all day. Office yoga consists of simple stretches, breathing exercises, and yoga poses are included. These can all be practised at the comfort of your own desk.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the 3 benefits of incorporating office yoga into your workday to alleviate discomfort and promote a healthier, happier you!
3 Benefits of Office Yoga
1. Source of Stress Relief
Office yoga uses a range of techniques to help quiet the body and mind, it can be pretty helpful for reducing stress. Deep breathing, which has been found to lower stress levels and increase relaxation, is one of the major elements of office yoga. The parasympathetic nerve system, which works to offset the effects of the “fight or flight” reaction brought on by stressful situations, can be activated by concentrating on slow, purposeful breathing.
Moreover, mindfulness and meditation exercises are frequently compromised into workplace yoga sessions. These techniques can assist to settle the mind and foster a sense of serenity and well-being. These exercises can help you feel less anxious and stressed during the course of the day.
2. Increased Focus and Productivity
Do you ever experience a day at work where you feel stuck? Perhaps it’s the post-lunch slump or the mid-afternoon energy slump that makes it difficult to focus and be productive. This is a result of the lack of physical movement and blood circulation. Office yoga, on the other hand, can be an effective tool for combating these negative effects and promoting increased focus and productivity in the workplace.
Office Yoga can greatly increase attention span and efficiency, as it can help with focus and productivity by promoting physical and mental well-being, which can improve your ability to concentrate and be productive at work. The physical practice of it includes a variety of stretches and movements that help to release tension and stiffness in the body while also improving circulation and energy levels. Your focus and concentration may improve as you feel more alert and less sluggish throughout the day.
Furthermore, mindfulness and meditation practices, which are frequently included during the yoga sessions, can help to quiet the mind and promote mental clarity, thereby reducing stress and anxiety and increasing overall focus. Employees can feel more centred and present by incorporating these practices into their workday, allowing them to tackle tasks with greater efficiency and productivity.
3. Improved Energy Levels and Motivation
As an office worker, you are definitely familiar with the feeling of being tired or fatigued during working hours, especially if you are seated at a desk for long periods of time. This causes the body to stiffen and become sluggish, resulting in tiredness or drowsiness. Furthermore, mental exhaustion can contribute to fatigue, making it difficult to focus on work tasks.
Thus, office yoga includes stretching which is a healthy and beneficial activity for adults. You are encouraging your muscles to release tightness and tension by doing it. By moving, you are allowing your body to increase its range of motion reducing the pain, stiffness and fatigue experienced by your body.
Not only that but deep breathing properly promotes relaxation, which relieves the mind of stress and anxiety. Breathing deeply also improves the performance of the respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems. When these systems are working at their best, your energy levels will peak and in turn promote a more focused and motivated mindset.
Lastly, office yoga exercises can be performed at your desk to improve blood flow and endurance. Employees can release tension and stress, increase energy levels, and create a positive and supportive workplace community by partaking in office yoga into their workday.
Conclusion
The ease with which office yoga can be introduced into a workday is one of its many benefits. No specific gear or attire is required, and many workplace yoga practices can be completed in under ten minutes. Thus, incorporating routine office yoga into your daily life has many advantages which can help to enhance your physical and emotional well-being, resulting in a happier and more productive work experience.
Sources:
14 Excellent Benefits Of Yoga In The Workplace (vantagefit.io)
Improve your wellbeing with Desk Yoga in the Workplace (atworkwellbeing.co.uk)
Why is Yoga the Best in Promoting Corporate Wellness? – Sweatbox (sweatboxyoga.com.sg)