What Is Stress?
Stress is a physical and emotional response we experience when the demands of work and life begin to overwhelm. The body stores and accumulates stress at a cellular level which, at first, manifests symptomatically. When left unchecked, stress then compounds manifesting as disease and chronic ill health, such as heart conditions, cancer and depression.
Stress causes:
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Muscular tension (RSI, back problems)
- Excessive tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
- Tension/strain in the body (palpitations, stomach upsets, constipation, difficulty breathing)
When stress gets out of control, effectiveness in the workplace is dramatically reduced and workplace and client relations suffer - human error increases, projects take longer and cost more money.
How Yoga Helps
Yoga practice is a powerful approach to alleviating stress.
Images of yogis in pretzel-like positions are not a true reflection of yoga practice. You do not require a fit and flexible body to start yoga. The only pre-requisite is an ability to move, and breathe!
Workplace Yoga employs specific physical postures - combined with correct breathing and relaxation methods - that directly facilitate the movement of stress out of the body and mind.
These practices teach the body how to perform positively, then relax deeply. Over time, this creates a new cellular memory and mindset that manage stress more effectively.
In line with traditional yogic philosophy, Workplace Yoga encourages the individual to adopt ethical attitudes and integrity, and to develop high quality relationships in their professional and personal lives.
Ultimately, yoga presents an opportunity to progress past troublesome levels of thinking, feeling and functioning, and uncovers latent potential.