Many people think that Yoga is about various poses, but nothing could be further from the truth. Yoga is much more than physical poses and encompasses a wide variety of contemplative and self-disciplinary practices, which includes multiple practices, including meditation, chanting, mantra, prayer, breath work, ritual, and even selfless action.
Yoga is rooted in ‘Yuj’, which means ‘to yoke’ or ‘to bind.’ It is one of the oldest forms of wellness known to humankind, with origins that can be traced back to India. Considering the science of integrating body, mind & soul, and achieving harmony, it plays a valuable role in improving an individual’s health and fitness on the one hand, and their personal & spiritual development on the other.
In an interaction with OnlyMyHealth, Dr Shobha Subramanian, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, explained about yoga-related tips that will help a person unwind during work.
How does yoga help alleviate stress and anxiety?
“There is no doubt that yoga incorporates a multi-faceted approach to help a person achieve robust health and wealth. In the traditional sense, yoga encompasses three things, namely proper physical posture (Asana), correct breathing techniques (Pranayama) and meditation (Dhyana)”, said Dr Subramanian. Further she he said that yoga has four strong pillars in the form of Asana, Pranayama, Dhyana, and diet. Moreover, there are various intensity levels for yoga which can range from mild, accessible practices which can be practiced across all ages and fitness levels, to high-intensity, demanding ones. In the hustle and bustle of fast-paced life, when we cannot find time for one long breath, let alone fitness, Yoga can work as an ideal solution.
Also read: International Yoga Day 2023: 3 Steps To Build Yoga A Daily Habit
That is not all – Yoga motivates people to relax their minds and body, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Many of the physical postures practised through Yoga aim to promote flexibility, relieve mental and physical tension, and alleviate the pain that originates in various parts of the body. These poses also help release mood-boosting Endorphins, also called the feel-good hormones, that can positively affect how a person handles stress and anxiety. By leaving the tensions of the external world, Yoga helps a person to focus on the present moment, is crucial to enhance awareness, boost concentration and, most importantly, centre the mind.
What Are Some Yoga-Related Tips That Will Help A Person Unwind During Work?
Workplace Yoga is highly beneficial as it can help employees productively manage their stress and anxiety. Since stress has become a regular feature in today’s urban world, practising Yoga can help people deal with uncomfortable emotions or difficult situations on the one hand and help a person become calmer and stress-free on the other hand. Some other benefits of yoga include:
- Better focus and concentration, thereby improving creativity and productivi
- Stress reduction
- Higher energy levels
- Improves posture and reduces chronic pain
- Enhances overall health in the form of better digestion, immunity and sleep hygiene
- Reduces aggression and conflicts
Yoga can be a powerful tool to calm the body and mind. Keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your stress relief.
- Always pay attention to your posture when walking and sitting
- Focus on your breathing. Avoid shallow, superficial breathing; aim for deep coordinated breathing. Incorporate deep breathing such that it becomes a habit. It is said that yoga postures are just mere callisthenics without proper breathing
- Incorporate a stretching routine, especially if you are a sedentary worker
- Consume enough water to ensure frequent bio-breaks. This allows you to stretch and walk around
- Simple in-office yoga poses like neck flexion-extension/sideways turn (Brahma-mudra), seated twist, seated back-bend, seated side-bends, wide-leg forward bend, shoulder rolls, seated figure-of-four pose, finger and wrist stretching are just a few options
“You need to do only some of the poses mentioned above. Repeat each pose ten times as and when time permits/ you take a mini break”, said Dr Subramanian.
Also read: International Yoga Day 2023: Date, Significance, Theme, And More
Yoga poses should be done with the correct technique. Before you embark on your yogic journey, please do your homework by researching it. Like it is often said that yoga is not about touching your toes; it is what you learn on the way down. Enjoy the process of discovering which yoga techniques and practices bring you the most significant benefits and joy.
