In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive work environments, fostering a sense of unity and connection among team members is crucial for productivity and employee well-being. While team-building activities and corporate events are commonly used to achieve this, yoga for team building is a unique and effective way to promote teamwork and enhance overall wellness. June 21, International Yoga Day, is the perfect time to explore how incorporating yoga into workplace celebrations can uplift team spirit, improve mental and physical health, and create an engaging work environment.
Power and well-being at work come with Yoga
In a comprehensive study examining the impact of yoga on stress levels and mood, a significant majority of respondents, approximately 86%, reported experiencing a notable reduction in stress. This finding highlights the potential benefits of incorporating yoga into one’s wellness routine. Additionally, 69% of participants expressed that practicing yoga enhanced their overall temperament and mood, further emphasizing the positive influence of this ancient practice. Furthermore, the study revealed that 63% of those surveyed found yoga to be a motivating factor for regular exercise, showcasing its role as a mental inspiration. Moreover, 59% of respondents acknowledged experiencing an improvement in both the quality and quantity of their sleep due to practicing yoga. These findings collectively indicate the positive impact of yoga on stress, mood, exercise habits, and sleep patterns.
Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, has gained worldwide popularity for its numerous benefits. Research has shown that incorporating yoga into our daily lives can also improve concentration, enhance flexibility, and boost overall fitness.
In recent years, many organizations have recognized the positive impact of yoga on employee wellness and have begun integrating it into their workplace culture. According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, companies offering yoga programs and wellness initiatives observe a significant decrease in employee stress levels, absenteeism, and healthcare costs. Furthermore, the research found employers who introduced yoga programs reported increased employee morale and job satisfaction.
Encouraging a Yoga-Friendly Culture and Workspace:
Before delving into International Yoga Day celebrations in the office:
- Create a yoga-friendly workspace that promotes inclusivity and body positivity.
- Embrace diversity, provide modifications for different abilities, educate on the holistic benefits of yoga, and offer a safe space for practice.
- Focus on well-being, avoid body shaming, and be conscious of health risks without singling out individuals.
- Foster an environment that encourages participation and respects the well-being of all employees.
- Create innovative ways to help employees/teams practice simple on-the-go techniques at their desks that relax the mind-body without interrupting and causing distractions at work
Here are a few suggestions to consider:
a) Enhance your Mind with 8 times Deep Breathing:
A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience examined the effects of deep breathing exercises on cognitive performance. The researchers found that participants who practiced 4-7-8 deep breathing techniques, briefly showed significant improvements in their working memory, attention span, and decision-making skills.
Breathing exercises are an integral part of yoga practice, and their impact on our mental clarity and cognitive abilities should not be underestimated. Taking deep breaths helps us relax, reduces stress, and directly influences our brain function, enhancing our thinking capabilities.
b) Give just 2 minutes for Hydration to your Eyes:
Did you know that the skin around our eyes is delicate and highly sensitive?
Due to excessive or continued screen time, eye fatigue, dryness, and discomfort are common complaints among office workers.
However, a simple yet effective technique can help alleviate these issues – a warm eye hydrating massage.
It is easy to do on the desk with the whole team to boost team spirit simultaneously. Applying gentle warmth and massage to the eye area can provide numerous benefits, including relieving eye strain, reducing tension, and promoting relaxation. Using your ring finger is recommended as it is the weakest finger, ensuring a gentle touch.
A study by Healthline showed regular eye hydration at small intervals at work could improve blood circulation and relieve eye-related discomfort.
By taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule to perform a warm eye massage, you prioritize your well-being and encourage your teammates to do the same.
c) A Quick Stretch at Desk = Strength to Muscles :
A study suggests that stretching intervals can enhance your recovery in situations of minor injury. Sitting at a desk for prolonged periods can take a toll on our bodies, leading to stiffness, muscle tension, and decreased energy levels. Incorporating desk yoga stretches into your work routine can help counteract these adverse effects and promote physical well-being. These stretches are designed to be done right at your desk, making them convenient for busy workdays. Here are a few simple stretches you can try:
- Seated Spinal Twist: Sit tall in your chair, place your left hand outside your right thigh, and gently twist your torso to the right. Hold for 15 seconds, then switch sides. This stretch helps release tension in the spine and improve flexibility.
- Neck Rolls: Slowly drop your chin to your chest and roll your head gently to the right, bringing your right ear towards your right shoulder. Continue the circular motion, moving your head to the back and left side and returning to the starting position. Repeat in the opposite direction. Neck rolls relieve tension in the neck and shoulders.
- Wrist Stretches: Extend your arms in front of you, parallel to the ground. With your palms facing down, gently bend your wrists upward, feeling a stretch in your forearms. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Next, flip your palms upward and gently bend your wrists downward. This stretch helps relieve tension from repetitive computer work and typing.
Start your Yoga Journey To Enhance Work and Performance Today:
As we conclude our exploration of how yoga can enhance employee well-being and boost team spirit when organized and performed collectively at the workplace, it’s clear that incorporating this ancient practice into our professional lives can yield significant benefits. Co-working spaces, with their collaborative and inclusive environments, enable and empower the spirit of yoga in daily work-life at offices. Yoga for employees provides a perfect opportunity for organizations to embrace yoga to promote physical and mental well-being among them.
So, let’s unite and embark on a journey of wellness, unity, and team spirit through yoga. Embrace the practices, encourage your colleagues, and witness the transformative power of yoga in the workplace. Together, in co-working spaces, we can create an atmosphere that fosters health, happiness, and productivity.
