Yoga for those running the rat race in the corporate world

It is no easy feat to hold a job, excel at it and deal with the everyday stresses that arise from it, in the corporate world. These yoga practices will soothe your nerves and calm your senses.

Yoga, the ancient science of life itself, teaches us the fine art of a healthy existence. It is a disciplinary tool by which we gain knowledge to govern our own lives and strive toward and achieve our personal goals. The practice of yoga as part of our everyday routine bestows us with a composed mind, able body and sound spirit. These are the secrets to achieve a sense of inexhaustible energy, freedom, power and drive to pursue our ambitions.

In the corporate world, the mind is continuously at work. At times, work life may become all-consuming leaving little time for recreational or health-oriented activities. It is evident that sometimes, the current pace of life does not allow one to easily access health and fitness institutes for various reasons, ranging from time constraints or commuting issues, to exhaustion of mind and body. This leads us to the option of incorporating health into the office cabin by practising yoga within the workspace.

Obstacles in the corporate sector

The long and continuous work hours cause a strain on the eyes, spine and mind as well.The work load can cause stress levels to build within the individual. Remaining in the same seated position for long hours has also proved detrimental to the health of the body. Poor eating habits are also resorted to be a part of the corporate population to cope with the stress of work life. The most debilitating result according to the World Health Organization of corporate life is depression, which sometimes affects people.

These health issues can all be prevented with the help of regular and routine practice of yoga and bringing this holistic healing technique to the workplace is the ultimate solution for sound health. Yoga has proved beneficial in achieving a healthy body, stable mind, balancing stress and blood pressure levels, boosting of morale and self-confidence, creativity of thought and increases overall effectiveness of every individual in the workforce. Furthermore, yoga being the science of healing tickles the curiosity of these intellectually-inclined people.

The corporate yoga programme aims to introduce asana for basic flexing of muscles to release built-up tension, correction of the posture, straightening and strengthening of the spine, pranayam and meditation techniques aimed to provide clarity to the mind and reduce stress levels as well. It has been designed as a miniature health break in a tough and long routine. These slight inclusions to the day result in great benefits to the productivity of each and every individual.

It is most recommended to include adequate sessions of yoga to people's everyday routine, irrespective of their occupation or lifestyle. The benefits of yoga to the body and mind are all-encompassing as there are solutions to any and all problems that we may face in this current fast-paced life. It is the most authentic and pure healing science, which holds the secrets to a healthy and robust life that is applicable and suitable to people of all generations, all lifestyles and all occupations.

Quick healing tips for desk yoga:-

Bhastrika Pranayam:

Instructions:

• Inhale deeply and fill your lungs with air for duration of six counts.
• Hold your breath for the same duration of six counts.
• Finally, exhale breath and empty your lungs for the same six count duration.
• Repeat this process for five minutes.

This simple breathing technique is aimed to balance your body and mind and bring you to a neutral space. The calming sensation it evokes rejuvenates the individual and provides a necessary break to refocus with greater vigor on the task at hand.

Udgeeth Pranayam:

Instructions:

• Inhale through the nostrils and fill your lungs with air for duration of 6 counts.
• Maintain and hold this breath within the lungs for the same duration.
• Finally, exhale breath through your mouth while pronouncing the sound ‘Ohm’ for the same duration of six counts.
• Repeat this process for five minutes.

The resonance of this sound creates positive healing vibrations in the internal system of the body. Its greatest attribute is its capacity to release the mind of stress, tension or depression.

These are but a few minute drops from the vast ocean of health that yoga embanks. It is a secret science to health from an era gone by that will take us to the next era in our best and most powerful selves.

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)