How to reduce stress at work?

Stress at work is probably the most common type of stress. Work overload, frantic pace, extended and sometimes unpredictable schedules, perpetual technological change, fear of dismissal, lack of recognition… organizational and entrepreneurial variables are undeniable causes of stress, and from then on burnout.

However, one is entitled to wonder how to practice yoga in the office without pretending to be a stranger in the eyes of colleagues.

Yoga at work to manage stress:

Yoga, by combining postures (asanas), helps to harmonize the functioning of the body, breath, and mind, allowing you to focus on the present moment.

If, for many, yoga is practiced primarily as a form of physical exercise, do not forget that it is first and foremost a science of well-being that combines health of the body and the mind, causing union between the physical and the spiritual.

There are, however, many other unobtrusive ways to relieve stress at work.

Breathing exercises are quite achievable – and can be practiced in complete discretion. Some exercises can even be practiced sitting.

Many yoga classes will teach you postures adapted to professional constraints.

The whole philosophy of yoga that cultivates the aptitude for happiness seems the ideal way to prevent the ailments of the mind.

Yoga helps to achieve greater serenity. It teaches us not to struggle unnecessarily with things that cannot be changed, to get back on our feet, step back, and thereby better cope with the trials of daily life that generate stressful situations.

It sheds light on oneself, guarantees a better understanding of the suffering of others, and teaches us kindness.

This change of relationship with oneself and others is not a vain job, because stress very often comes from our difficulty in not only managing our relationship with others, but also in arbitrating our inner tugs.

Quite concretely, yoga improves our posture and mental state. It calls for deep, regular breathing whereas stress instead tends to generate short, shallow breathing.

However, it is known that breathing exercises (pranayama) will bring muscle relaxation, reduction of tension and soothing of the mind.

Yoga, a complete discipline:

It requires arguably the full force of yoga to work on all aspects of our vital energy.

Yoga includes all asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation as well as the philosophy of yoga. So, aside from the physical benefits, it also puts us in spiritual and mental dispositions conducive to a return to an inner balance that stress shakes.

Against stress: Yoga as an art of living:

This is a point we have already addressed. Not a yogi, one who, coming out of his session, gets upset or adopts behaviors that do not respect a philosophy of living in peace.

There is no point in working to strive for a changed consciousness if our diet, our relationship to new technologies, or sleep is not in tune with the good we want to bring into our lives.

Let us remember, the practice of yoga for better stress management not only treats the body but is concerned with all aspects of life.

It requires a healthy and adapted diet, a respect for the time spent sleeping, kindness towards others, a quest for permanent balance.