Corporate culture refers to a shared set of values, attitudes and standards which guide a company’s practices. It is based on the organisation’s goals, strategies, approach to employees, customers and community. Taking hints from global leaders, more and more companies are becoming culture driven where they put their people first, ie, to ensure that the employees are happy because only then the customers would also be happy. Hence, there is more emphasis on the health and wellbeing of employees and yoga and meditation techniques have become the most popular choices for physical fitness, stress relief, relaxation and mental wellbeing.
Enhancing performance
The impact of yoga on organisational performance has been a topic of research for over a decade. A recent and significant study conducted by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which is a part of National Institute Of Health in America, shows that adopting it can bring about better job satisfaction, commitment, organisational behaviour of employees and goal orientation of managers.
It was observed that practising yoga can transform one’s personality — on the physical, mental and emotional levels. This strengthens one’s ability and desire to put in their best at work. Yoga can be introduced through workshops, retreats, regular classes or stress and health management programmes.
Introducing the concept of desktop yoga can make a difference to your physical wellbeing when practised every 3-4 hours at work. Pranayama (breathing techniques) holds proven benefits for the brain and mind, and can be practised every day.
Following are some of the benefits achieved through regular practice of desktop yoga and pranayama:
1 Relieve tension from muscles
2 Keep joints relaxed and flexible
3 Improve blood circulation
4 Improve posture
5 Help prevent common issues such as backache, stiff shoulders, neck pain, headaches and eye problems.
6 Improve concentration and alertness
7 Rejuvenate tired cells and the nervous system
8 Stress relief
9 Unblock mental and emotional clutter
10 Calm the mind
11 Tackle mood swings, anxiety and anger, and
12 Increase self-awareness and elevate energy levels
Practice of the week
Joint movement
Rotate your neck, shoulders, wrist, hip, knees and ankles 3-5 times clockwise and anticlockwise.
Kapalbhati kriya (Frontal lobe purification)
Sit with your back straight and begin to exhale rapidly through your nostrils. Inhalation remains passive.
Sahaj pranayama (Easy breathing)
Sit with your back straight and breathe deeply a few times. Inhale through the nostrils for 5 counts. Hold your breath for 10 counts. Exhale through the mouth for 10 counts. Repeat 10-12 times.
Brahmari pranayama (Bumble bee technique)
Plug your ears with your thumbs while you place the rest of the fingers on your head as shown. Take a deep breath in and push the chest out. As you exhale, make a humming sound — “hun” — like a bee as long as your breath lasts. Repeat this for 10-15 rounds and then remain seated in the same position for a few seconds for the vibrations to be absorbed into the mind.
NEXT WEEK: Loosen up your shoulders
This is an interactive series, in which we will bring you practical tips
on daily living, inspired by the vision of yoga. Write in to tabloid@gulfnews.com with your questions and doubts regarding enhancing your lifestyle through yoga. For more information, call 800-YOGA (9642) or log on to artisticyoga.com
