Yoga in the Workplace: Om Yoga Magazine July/Aug

I'm pretty lucky with my new job. While the hours are long and the days are busy, working in the fitness industry I'm encouraged to take a full lunch- to go to fitness classes, to fit in a run and to eat healthily. I did this in my last job too, but definitely got some strange looks walking through the office in my running kit! And although we had a whole spare wing free I couldn't persuade them to let us use it for impromptu yoga classes...

More and more companies are beginning to give some time, space and funding for staff to keep active during the working day, which I think is great! The latest issue of Om Yoga Magazine has a feature particularly looking at the benefits of Yoga in the office.

The Benefits of Yoga at Work

Office environment
However we feel about our jobs, the physical environment of an office can be harsh, and by lunchtime you feel burnt out and hungry. Yoga takes us to a place where there are no agendas or deadlines. The benefits of drawing our attention to the breath and the whole body in a yoga flow allows anxiety release, and clarity in our minds. Returning to work feeling happier and more productive is highly likely!

Vitality boost
Yoga may be best thought of like a bath or shower (love this!) - you can't do it once and expect to stay clean. It needs to be a priority and we need to make time to do it regularly, especially when so many of us rely on technology, cars and computers which make us frown and squint for hours every day.

Good for business
When deadlines are looming and guilt is pressing people can be reluctant to take the time. Yet studies show that afterwards, most people are relieved and glad that they signed up for it. The companies benefit too- a fit healthy happy workforce is a productive workforce. Flexibility, imagination and a calm sense of purpose are qualities managers look for in successful teams, qualities promoted by a regular yoga practise.

So turning up with your yoga mat is doing your bit to help and sustain economic development really!

I definitely notice the difference if I don't make time to get out the office for at least a walk at lunchtime, and starting my day with a morning Yoga class gets the day off on the right foot!

Does your work encourage you to take time out for yoga (or other refreshing activities) during the day?

Beki x