According to the 2013 Aflac Workforces Report, medical costs decrease
approximately $3.27 for each dollar a business spent on wellness programs.
Namaste
at Your Desk
According to a 2015 study, more
than 65 percent of people listed
work as a top cause of stress.
What if you could put a program
into place that would help your
employees find their Zen?
Well, you can. Bring the calming, yet energizing,
principles of yoga into your office.
Stress. It’s all around us—and it often affects
both our work and our personal lives. Left
unmanaged, it can be dangerous, but few of us
know how to deal with it effectively.
Stress can impact our health both physically
and emotionally. In fact, it’s not uncommon
to experience anxiety, depression, headaches,
and even stomach-related issues as a result of
feeling stressed.
Fortunately, stress can often be alleviated—
or at least managed—through positive lifestyle
habits, including quality sleep, a balanced diet,
and regular exercise. It’s especially important to
find activities that help calm the mind and body.
Reset Your Mind and Body
Office Yoga: Deskside Poses
Even if you don’t have time for a yoga class, you can still reap the
benefits. Give these office poses a try, right beside your desk!
Î Î
SEATED BACKBEND. Sit in your chair with proper posture. While
taking a deep breath, reach up toward the ceiling with your arms
open. Release the breath and let your head fall back slightly. Hold
for a few seconds, then repeat.
Î Î
PIGEON POSE (SEATED VERSION). Sit in your chair with both feet
flat on the floor. Cross your left leg over your right, keeping the
foot flexed slightly, and turn your body toward the left. Hold for
a few seconds, then switch to the other side.
Î Î
STANDING THIGH STRETCH. Stand with arms at your sides. Lift
your right leg back and up toward your waist, holding it with your
right hand, then lift your left hand toward the ceiling. Hold for a
few seconds, then switch to the other side.
From poor ergonomics to a creative block,
employees can get caught in a slump. Trying
office yoga can press a reset button. Yoga is a
practice that’s designed to help the body and
mind relax and focus.
During yoga, you’re taken through a number
of poses designed to increase your strength
and flexibility, and controlled breathing.
Studies have found that this combination
can greatly reduce stress. In turn, those who
participate in yoga often see improvements in
their mood and physical health.
So how can you bring the benefits of mindful-
ness into the workplace? We have a couple ideas:
Either introduce a weekly or biweekly yoga class,
held during the middle of the day or start off the
day each day, with a few simple yoga poses.
Whichever option you choose, your entire
company will benefit from a more productive,
less stressed workday—without even leaving
the office.
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