Office yoga, and its role in staff wellbeing programmes
Since the end of lockdown, I have been doing more yoga classes to support the staff wellbeing programmes of various organisations. Though I would still love to build back a portfolio of sports and rehabilitation yoga clients, in which I am trained and qualified, I do very much enjoy beaming into people’s work spaces, and helping them reset their working day, both mentally and physically with a session of office yoga. But what exactly is office yoga, and why is it good for you?
What is office yoga?
Office yoga is an adaptation of traditional yoga, which still uses the breath as the central component, but utilises a chair as a prop. Each session features a series of poses/exercises, which are directly beneficial to those doing desk-bound or static jobs, or work which involves a lot of repetitive and/or physical movement.
Why might this be beneficial?
Many of our everyday aches and pains, and more serious complaints, such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) or back pain, can be alleviated by moving more during our working day. In addition, learning a series of stretches, poses and techniques to improve our posture, strengthen our core function and improve our balance - with which all forms of yoga can help - can not only alleviate everyday discomforts brought on by sitting at a desk, driving or using digital devices for long periods, but also help invest in better movement and physical functionality as we get older.
Yoga also helps you breathe better, and understand how to control your breath to release tension, reduce stress and have a positive effect on the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the bodies ‘fight or flight’ mode.
“Your guidance, energy, and calming presence make every session a wonderful experience! We all truly appreciate how you create such an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone who attends. Thank you for sharing your passion and expertise - it truly makes a difference!”
From an organisation’s point of view, offering an office yoga class as part of a staff wellbeing programme could have a significant effect on lowering the amount of sick days and stress-related absences amongst a workforce, thus increasing productivity and a positive working environment.
Isn’t it all a bit hippy-dippy?
Absolutely not! As someone who did my continuing professional development in yoga for sport and corrective exercise, I strip back yoga terminology to its basic form, making sure the language is accessible as possible, and everyone can understand what they are supposed to be doing. Whilst there is a time and a place for some of the lovely Sanskrit asana names, and channelling the more spiritual side, I prefer to deliver yoga to as wider audience as possible.
Can anyone do office yoga?
Yes indeed. Much of the practice is sitting down, so it is fully accessible to those people in wheelchairs, with mobility issues, or those who are very old. I do like to mix things up, and create more of a challenge for those who have been doing yoga for a while, or who are more mobile, as I am usually delivering a class to a mixed ability of people across a team. However, I always offer modifications, or adaptions for those people with conditions where the pose would be counter indicative, or if people just wish to have a more gentle session.
Do I need special equipment?
Nope. As you can see from my taster video, I am in normal clothes, and I have even kept on my socks, as it was cold when I was recording this session! Then you just need an office, or dining chair, or any more upright seat. Something low and soft like a sofa is not ideal, and I do always flag to people that if they are in an office chair with castors or a wheelchair, to ensure they aren’t going to skid across the floor!
I’m interested in offering this to my team/in my workplace. How does it work?
Most of the time, I deliver half an hour sessions via video link, at a regular time each week/month, usually in the lunch break, but I can deliver the same sessions onsite and at different times, if practical/financially viable. Each session tends to have a focus or theme, and I do also tailor them to the sector in which I am working. I also like to sprinkle in a bit of humour, and not take things too seriously, as a bit of light relief in the working day is also stress-relieving. Everyone turns off their cameras and microphones, so I am the only one visible and audible. This is particularly good for your staff working from home, as they can practice fully, without fear of feeling self-conscious.
Have a watch of my office yoga taster, and if you would like my classes to be part of your staff wellness programme, then please drop me a line via my Contact page.