Did you know that yoga can be a great way to improve productivity in the workplace? Corporate Yoga is a form of yoga that is designed specifically for corporate professionals. It differs from traditional yoga in a few ways, but the main difference is that it focuses on improving productivity and reducing stress. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of Corporate Yoga, as well as the benefits of practicing it in the workplace.
Understanding Corporate Yoga
Do you feel like you’re chained to your desk all day? Stressed out and tense? Yoga might be the answer for you. Corporate yoga is a form of yoga that is designed specifically for corporate professionals. Corporate yoga is a type of yoga that is specifically designed for people who work in an office setting. It is different from traditional yoga in several ways, including the types of yoga poses that are used and the way the class is structured.
How It Differentiates From Traditional Yoga
There are several key ways in which corporate yoga differs from traditional yoga. These include the following:
- Focus: The focus is on improving productivity and reducing stress, rather than on fitness or relaxation.
- Duration: The classes are shorter, typically lasting 30 minutes to an hour.
- Yoga Poses: The yoga poses are designed to be done in a chair or standing up, rather than on a mat.
- Activities: There is a greater emphasis on breathing exercises and meditation.
Types of Corporate Yoga
There are several different types of corporate yoga, each with its focus. The most common types are listed below:
- Chair yoga: This type of yoga is designed to be done in a chair. It is perfect for people who have limited mobility or who are unable to stand for long periods.
- Standing yoga: This type of yoga is designed to be done standing up. It is perfect for people who have a lot of energy and who want to get the most out of their yoga class.
- Breathing exercises: These exercises are designed to help you relax and focus on your breath. They are perfect for people looking to reduce stress and improve their concentration.
- Meditation: This type of yoga is designed to help you relax and focus your thoughts. It is perfect for people looking to reduce stress and improve their concentration.
History And Development
Corporate yoga is a relatively new phenomenon. It was developed in the early 2000s as a way to bring the benefits of yoga to the corporate world. Traditional yoga can be seen as too spiritual or “out there” for some corporate professionals. Corporate yoga is more secular and focuses on the physical and mental benefits of yoga. It is designed to be practiced in a corporate setting and can be adapted to any space, whether it’s an office, conference room, or even a cubicle.
Listing Benefits of Corporate Yoga
Overall, corporate yoga is a beneficial activity for both the employee and employer. It increases productivity, reduces stress levels, and promotes better physical and mental health.
There are several benefits of practicing corporate yoga, including the following:
- Reduced stress: Corporate yoga can help to reduce stress levels in the workplace. This can lead to improved productivity and concentration.
- Improved posture: Corporate yoga can help to improve your posture, which can lead to less pain and discomfort during the workday.
- Increased energy: Corporate yoga can help to improve your energy levels, which can lead to improved productivity.
- Improved concentration: Corporate yoga can help to improve your concentration, which can lead to improved productivity.
NOTE: If your company is considering implementing a corporate yoga program, we highly recommend doing so!
Suggesting Corporate Yoga Poses & Pranayama Techniques
Here are five corporate yoga poses that you can try at your desk:
Neck Rolls
This pose is designed to release tension in the neck and shoulders.
- To do this pose, sit up straight in your chair with your shoulders relaxed.
- Slowly roll your head from side to side.
Shoulder Shrugs
This pose is designed to release tension in the shoulders.
- To do this pose, sit up straight in your chair with your shoulders relaxed.
- Slowly raise your shoulders to your ears and then release them back down.
Chest Opener
This pose is designed to open up the chest and improve posture.
- To do this pose, sit up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your hands on the back of your head and interlace your fingers.
- Gently pull your elbows back and hold for a few breaths.
Seated Twist
This pose is designed to release tension in the lower back and improve flexibility.
- To do this pose, sit up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your right hand on the back of your chair and twist your torso to the left.
- Hold for a few breaths and then repeat on the other side.
Chair Pose
This pose is designed to improve strength and flexibility.
- To do this pose, sit up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your hands on the sides of your chair and slowly stand up, keeping your knees behind your toes.
- Hold for a few breaths and then slowly sit back down.
NOTE: These five yoga poses can be done at your desk and are perfect for people looking to reduce stress and improve their concentration.
Pranayama Techniques
Here are five corporate pranayama techniques that you can try at your desk:
Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
This technique is designed to calm the mind and reduce stress.
- To do this technique, sit up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your right hand in front of your face and close off your right nostril with your thumb.
- Breathe in through your left nostril and then close off your left nostril with your ring finger.
- Breathe out through your right nostril.
Repeat this process for a few minutes.
Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath)
This technique is designed to improve concentration and focus.
- To do this technique, sit up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your hands on your knees and take a deep breath in.
- As you exhale, forcefully contract your abdominal muscles and push the air out through your nose.
Repeat this process for a few minutes.
Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath)
This technique is designed to calm the mind and reduce stress.
- To do this technique, sit up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your hands on your knees and close your eyes.
- Take a deep breath in and then exhale while making a “bee buzzing” sound.
Repeat this process for a few minutes.
Anuloma Viloma (Nose Cleansing Breath)
This technique is designed to improve concentration and focus.
- To do this technique, sit up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your right hand in front of your face and close off your right nostril with your thumb.
- Breathe out through your left nostril.
- Take a deep breath in through your left nostril and then close off your left nostril with your ring finger.
- Breathe out through your right nostril.
Repeat this process for a few minutes.
Ujjayi (Victorious Breath)
This technique is designed to improve concentration and focus.
- To do this technique, sit up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your hands on your knees and take a deep breath through your nose.
- As you exhale, partially close off your throat and make a “hissing” sound.
Repeat this process for a few minutes.
NOTE: If you are new to yoga, it is recommended that you practice under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor to observe contraindications.
Resolving Challenges In Corporate Yoga Sessions
There are a few techniques that you can use to overcome these challenges and make corporate yoga a success in your workplace. These techniques are listed below:
Lack of Privacy
A common challenge that people face when trying to do yoga at work is a lack of privacy. Since so many people are not comfortable with their bodies, initially. If your workplace is open and public, it may be difficult to find a place where you can do yoga without being seen by others.
Time Constraints
Many employees have busy schedules and can only spare a limited amount of time for yoga. With so many demands on our time, it can be difficult to find time in the middle of a busy workday to stop and do yoga. Especially when you’re swarmed with so many deadlines and work commitments.
Space & Equipment Constraints
Another obstacle that instructors may encounter is the lack of space and equipment in some corporate environments. If your workplace is small or cramped, it may be difficult to find a place to do yoga. Since it is not always possible to have a dedicated yoga room or all the necessary props.
Varying Experience Level of Students
In a traditional yoga class, instructors can tailor the practice to the needs of the group. However, in a corporate setting, it is often necessary to give each student individual attention and adapt the class accordingly. This can be challenging, but also very rewarding as you witness your students grow and progress in their practice.
Effective Techniques To Resolve Them
Despite these challenges, teaching yoga in a corporate setting can be a very rewarding experience. Moreover, it is an opportunity to share your love of yoga with others and help them to find peace and balance in their busy lives. So, if you are considering teaching corporate yoga or practicing it, remember to be prepared for these challenges and enjoy the ride!
Tips For Corporate Instructors
By using these techniques, you will be able to effectively teach corporate yoga and help your students to find peace and balance in their busy lives. For instance:
- Teaching concise classes: One way to overcome the time constraint challenge is to teach concise classes. This means that you will need to be efficient in your teaching and be able to cover all the important points in a shorter amount of time.
- Being creative with space and equipment: If you are limited in terms of space and equipment, it is important to be creative. There are many ways to teach yoga without a dedicated yoga room or all the props.
- Tailoring the class to the students: In a corporate setting, it is often necessary to give each student individual attention and adapt the class accordingly. This can be challenging, but also very rewarding as you witness your students grow and progress in their practice.
Tips For Workplace Yogis
If you’re interested in trying corporate yoga, there are a few things you should keep in mind. For instance:
- Find a quiet place: It is important to find a quiet place to do your yoga. This will help you to focus and avoid distractions.
- Wear comfortable clothing: You should wear comfortable clothing that you can move in easily. This will help you to relax and focus on your yoga practice.
- Breathe deeply: Remember to breathe deeply and slowly throughout your yoga practice. This will help you to relax and focus on your breath.
- Concentrate on your posture: It is important to concentrate on your posture and form during your yoga practice. This will help you to avoid injuries and get the most out of your practice.
- Relax: Remember to relax both your body and your mind during your yoga practice. This will help you to focus on your breath and clear your thoughts.
PRO TIP: First, be sure to let your supervisor know that you will be participating in yoga during work hours. Furthermore, respect your coworkers’ space and noise level when practicing yoga in the workplace. Finally, it’s important to find a teacher who is experienced in teaching workplace yoga.
Choosing Mantra Care Corporate Yoga Sessions
Mantra care corporate yoga is a type of yoga that is designed specifically for the workplace. For, it combines elements of traditional yoga with modern business practices to create a unique and effective way to improve employee health and productivity. For instance:
- Short Yet Effective Sessions: The sessions are designed to be short and focused, so they can be easily incorporated into the workday. Additionally, the use of mantra chanting and other mindfulness techniques can help employees to feel more relaxed and focused.
- Experienced & Registered Yoga Teachers: We specialize in teaching workplace yoga and have a team of experienced and certified teachers. Our experienced yoga instructors are familiar with the needs of corporate professionals. We also offer individual attention and adapt the class accordingly to each student’s needs.
- Designed For Best Possible Experience: We understand the challenges that come with corporate yoga and have developed effective techniques to resolve them. This allows us to provide the best possible experience for our students.
A Word From MantraCare Wellness
Employee wellness programs are the key to improving employee motivation, productivity, and retention. At MantraCare Wellness, we have a team of health experts, counselors, and coaches who serve corporate employees with 10+ wellbeing programs including EAP, Employee Diabetes Reversal, Corporate MSK, PCOS, Employee Fitness, Corporate Yoga, Employee meditation, and Employee Smoking Cessation.