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By embracing yoga, organisations can enhance employee well-being, boost productivity, and foster a positive work culture
Yoga, a 5,000-year-old practice rooted in ancient India, has evolved into a global phenomenon. The Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning “to join” or “to unite,” reflects its core philosophy of harmonising the mind, body, and spirit. Initially a spiritual discipline focused on meditation and self-awareness, yoga gradually incorporated physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and ethical principles for a balanced life.
The global spread of yoga began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, propelled by Indian visionaries like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda. By the mid-20th century, yoga gained widespread popularity, with pioneers like B.K.S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois introducing structured forms such as Iyengar Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga. Today, yoga is practiced by over 300 million people worldwide, according to a 2021 study by the Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal. Its universal appeal lies in its adaptability—suitable for all ages, fitness levels, and cultural backgrounds.
The rejuvenating power of yoga
Yoga’s ability to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul is one of its most remarkable attributes. This is particularly evident among women who practice yoga regularly, as it often makes their age indistinguishable. Here’s how yoga achieves this:
Physical rejuvenation:
Mental and emotional rejuvenation:
Spiritual rejuvenation:
The corporate lifestyle: A recipe for burnout
The modern corporate environment is fraught with challenges—long hours, high-pressure deadlines, and an “always-on” work culture. These factors contribute to chronic stress, physical ailments, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Sedentary jobs exacerbate problems such as back pain, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, while the relentless demands of work-life imbalance take a toll on overall well-being.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that workplace stress costs the global economy $ 1 trillion annually in lost productivity. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for holistic solutions like yoga, which address both physical and mental health challenges.
How yoga transforms the corporate workforce
Yoga is more than a wellness trend; it is a powerful tool that can redefine workplace culture and performance. Here’s how it benefits corporate professionals:
Stress reduction:
Improved physical health:
Enhanced mental clarity and creativity:
Positive workplace culture:
Work-life balance:
Yoga as a corporate game-changer
In a world where corporate demands often overshadow personal well-being, yoga stands out as a timeless and transformative practice. Its holistic approach to physical, mental, and emotional health makes it an invaluable tool for today’s workforce. By embracing yoga, organisations can enhance employee well-being, boost productivity, and foster a positive work culture.
For women, in particular, yoga’s rejuvenating effects are profound, often making it impossible to judge their age. This is a testament to yoga’s ability to restore vitality, balance, and inner radiance. As the ancient sage Patanjali said, “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” For the modern corporate professional, this journey could be the key to unlocking a healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling life.
By integrating yoga into daily routines, employees can reclaim their health, vitality, and peace of mind—one breath at a time.
(The writer is a past President of CIPM, Sri Lanka and a dedicated yoga practitioner of Abina Yoga Ashram, Sri Lanka which is affiliated to Shivananda Yoga Ashram, Kerala, India.)
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