It’s no surprise that one in every five people suffers from back pain and other spine-related issues in today’s fast-paced world. According to Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd, more than one-tenth of the Indian population suffers from noncommunicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid-related issues. Ziqitza Healthcare Limited is an emergency medical services provider based in Mumbai, India. In India, the company provides emergency medical response, critical care, medical training, and life support services. According to the Lancet, 200 million Indians suffer from mental health issues like stress and anxiety.
With all of these problems, therapeutic practices like yoga are more important than ever for employee wellness. According to Ziqitza Healthcare, practising yoga is one way to live a happy, healthy, and meaningful life in today’s world. While different schools of yoga practise the science in their own unique ways, they all share three fundamental components:
Asanas: These are postures and exercises that help to improve and maintain the body’s mobility, flexibility, strength, and endurance. These exercises keep you fit, healthy, and functional.
Pranayama: It is loosely translated as “breathing practice.” An average person inhales approximately 8000 litres of air per day. Ziqitza asserts that pranayama exercises can help the respiratory system function better by:
- Toxins, harmful microbes, and waste gases are flushed out.
- Providing enough oxygen to the cells.
- Keeping and improving our ability to communicate and smell.
Dhyana: It is also known as meditation, is a method of achieving mindfulness that has several advantages and benefits. Meditation is primarily concerned with calming our senses through various methods. This practice is primarily concerned with enhancing our mental health and cognition.
Ziqitza Rajasthan states that yoga is more than just asanas and exercise. It is the emotional integration and spiritual elevation, with a touch of the mystic element, that allow you to see something beyond your wildest dreams.
Why Practice Yoga at Work?
Increased concentration and energy: Sitting for 8 hours can cause a decrease in blood circulation in the lower body, depriving body cells of the energy they require to function properly. Prolonged sitting causes swaying of focus, forcing even the best of us into autopilot mode. This can have a significant impact on an employee’s productivity. Ziqitza Limited believes that better breathing, mindfulness, and quick yoga activity breaks (as little as 30 seconds) every hour can have a significant impact in this area.
Improved posture and flexibility: Long periods of sitting lead to weakened muscles and bone joints, particularly in the lower body. A typical working position in front of a computer can result in stiff shoulders and neck, as well as a hunched posture. All of these things can undermine our self-esteem and confidence. Yoga postures naturally improve balance, posture, muscular strength, and flexibility.
Improved digestion and immunity: ZHL Rajasthan explains that yoga postures, unlike other types of strength training, concentrate on the entire body. Yoga and pranayama practices can improve blood circulation and oxygen supply to all body cells. Improved circulation leads to a more efficient lymphatic system and a faster metabolism.
Workplace stress and anxiety are reduced: Practicing yoga makes you more mindful, calm, and healthy over time. All of these characteristics help you to be more focused and productive at work. You are better equipped to deal with everyday stress and are less anxious at work when you have less judgement. As a result, you can enjoy your work and feel more satisfied. You feel more valued at work and are more likely to stay with the same company for a longer period of time. A workplace like this can also spark your creativity and make you a more valuable member of the team.
Yoga Improves Health by Improving the Mind-Body Connection
Ziqitza Limited Rajasthan states that any physical activity that is done over time will have advantages. These advantages may include a healthier heart, less inflammation; improved immunity; and improved posture and balance. The improved mind-body connection is what distinguishes yoga.
What Can Employers Do?
Conducive infrastructure: Companies must have a dedicated space for employee wellness. For instance, selecting a building with nearby lush green open spaces or public parks; looking for real estate with dedicated yoga studios for group sessions or individual practice.
Corporate wellness programmes: Working from home has become a reality for many of us since the COVID-19 pandemic. Purchasing an annual subscription to yoga programmes via mobile apps can be a great way to boost employee wellness efforts.
Dedicated Personnel & Time: It could be a good idea to encourage enthusiastic employees to form a yoga group. To avoid stigma and discrimination, such groups should be diverse and include representation from multiple departments. Dedicating weekly time slots could also be very effective.
As automation advances, future jobs will require less physical labour. Sedentary lifestyles are to blame for the majority of modern-day problems. It has never been more important to incorporate yoga into your daily routine. Even if you are a complete beginner, Ziqitza Health Care Limited recommends that you invest as little as 10 minutes per day to improve your health and well-being!