6 Ways Yoga Can Improve Productivity At Work

6 WAYS YOGA
C A N I M P R O V E P R O D U C T I V I T Y A T W O R K

Don't think yoga is
very important in
business? Think
again with these 6
benefits of yoga to
increase productivity.
Whether you are self-employed, a
small-business owner or a
corporate mogul, both your
business and your employees
(even if that’s just you) will benefit
by incorporating yoga into your
daily work routine and your
wellness program.
If you do not have one, now is a
great time to start. It’s reported that
companies spend about $14,000
per employee on medically related
productivity costs annually. But
companies that offer yoga and
other wellness program benefits
greatly reduce their health
insurance premiums and increase
their bottom line.
Many companies now recognize
the value of yoga, and more and
more are offering classes as part
of their corporate wellness. These
include the likes of pro sports
teams, Forbes, GE, Apple, Google,
GM, Chase Manhattan Bank, HBO,
GM, Industrial Light & Magic and
Nike. But yoga can help all
companies, large and small—just
as it can help all people, no matter
their age, current health or level of
flexibility.
Consider these six ways yoga can
help your employees’ (and your
own) productivity at work:

INCREASES
ENERGY/REDUCES
18
ATTIC | JANUARY 2016
FATIGUE
One study showed that sitting for 5+ hours is a productivity
killer and has the same health effect as smoking a pack of
cigarettes! Working nonstop also creates stress. Even just
standing up or doing some stretching or physical activity every
30 minutes greatly increases blood circulation. Incorporating
simple yoga moves at these times is a great way to avoid
fatigue.

ALLEVIATES
PHYSICAL
19
RELIEVES STRESS
AILMENTS
If you’re suffering from aches, pains
or even more serious physical
problems, this will affect your
productivity. No matter what kind of
job you have, if you are constantly
thinking about and dealing with
ailments and pain, the last thing
your mind will be on is work.
Yoga can help relieve even the most
severe pain and physical problems,
such as those associated with
traumatic brain injury. If it can help
such intense pain and trauma,
imagine what it can do for regular
headaches, carpal tunnel, neck
strain, shoulder stiffness, arthritis,
etc.
Aside from physical pain and
illness, the other major factor
affecting employee health and work
productivity is mental and
emotional stress. They say stress is
the reason for 90 percent of all
doctor visits. But it’s not just stress
itself that sends people looking for
help—stress also causes and
exacerbates physical ailments and
conditions (from colds, allergies
and headaches to diabetes, cancer
and heart disease).
Stress accounts for billions of
business dollars lost due to reduced
productivity, absenteeism,
employee turnover, accidents and
medical fees. Avoiding such
problems is paramount for both
employees and businesses.

IMPROVES
CONCENTRATION
WITH
HELPS
CREATIVITY
18
& FOCUS
Stressful deadlines, endless
meetings and the general
cacophony of a workplace create
mental clutter that prevents you
from concentrating on tasks and
making good decisions. Yoga’s
meditation and breathing
exercises help to silence the
noise and clear the clutter,
letting you be more mindful,
alert and focused.
As yoga helps you better
concentrate and focus, it also
opens the mind so the creative
juices and energy can flow. You
can’t think outside of the box
when your brain is confined
within the box.

INCREASES POSITIVITY/MORALE
If you physically, mentally and emotionally feel well, your morale will
be high. If you are focused and energetic, your positivity will be strong.
If your creativity is unleashed, your self-confidence will soar. And all of
this will make you a better employee—in your job responsibilities, your
dealings with clients and your interactions with fellow employees.
Healthy, relaxed and focused employees are more productive and cost
effective. Even encouraging employees to take just 10 minutes during
the work day (perhaps during “dead time” that employees often waste)
to practice some simple yoga stretches or breathing exercises at their
desk, in a conference room or out in the fresh air and sunshine can
help immensely. And offering yoga classes at work or off-site is a lowcost
and effective way to achieve happy and productive employees.

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Image Source:
Working Hands Website
Article Source:
Business.com