Corporate
Yoga in the workplace
Office spaces reimagined, greater wellbeing gained
Yoga at work
WORKING BODIES
Those with office-based jobs, might recognise the pitfalls of a day at the desk. Head, neck, shoulders and upper back take the strain of hunching over a desk (especially if working from home in unnatural ‘working’ spaces - kitchen table, sofa, ironing board!) In addition, hips, legs, arms hands and wrists all suffer from either being in a ‘set’ position or repetitive activity, reducing blood flow and circulation. The effects of screen time on our vision and energy levels increasing migraines and headaches. Poor ‘at-the-desk’ posture decreases effective breathing, reducing energy and cognition.
Furthermore, hours of sitting regardless of calorie intake, immobilises muscles which lose the ability to metabolise fats and sugar, leading to high cholesterol. You can see why sitting has been dubbed ‘the new smoking’
WHY YOGA AT WORK?
Even if your job takes you away from the desk, you may be driving or using your body in the same way, day-in day-out. Even if you have a very physically active job, you may not be mindful of your body as you go through your day, increasing the risk of over strain or injury. You may still have a shallow breath, decreasing oxygen intake. You may not receive that deep level of satisfaction that arises with a longer held yoga posture, which will contribute to increasing strength and flexibility, improving your overall performance at work and ability to function as a healthy human!
A consistent yoga practice can help to promote flexibility and strength. Both important aspects in improving posture, enhancing breath and reducing effects of stress. A more efficient breath enables us to receive more oxygen and can help calm the nervous system in as short a time as one minute of slow breathing. The stress hormone cortisol is reduced. Stress - related illness are reduced. Moving our bodies in more mobile dynamic ways within the structure of the working day (whether that be in the middle of the day or at the end of your working day) can help to reduce the health risks associated with sedentary / limited mobility working practices. Growing evidence and new research suggests that yoga has a positive impact on mood and is an effective way to reduce anxiety and depression, improving immune system and the overall functioning as a whole person, as an employee and as a human being.
Use of outdoors to offer green space yoga
Testimonials
Martin Pritchard, Severn Trent, March 2020
Helen started teaching group yoga sessions for our employees in 2016. Week in week out she can be relied upon to make a positive difference to the physical and mental wellbeing of everyone who joins her classes. Always very well prepared, Helen supports new and experienced yogis with embracing their practice and providing a non judgemental space to focus on wellbeing for what is often the most beneficial hour of the week spent on health and personal development.
Roulla Phillipou, Warwick Medical School, March 2020
Helen has been running two yoga classes a week at Warwick Medical School for over three years. Her knowledge and understanding of the body has helped to transform the health and wellbeing of lots of students. Helen has the ability to adapt a class to everyone’s needs and makes people feel relaxed and at ease. No class is ever the same which makes it interesting each week. As the organiser of the classes I am often told how much she has changed their lives. She is truly amazing.
Classrooms converted into yoga studios
Menopause Yoga at work
Research study at the Chartered Institute for Personnel Development (CIPD) 2019
Women aged 50 and over are the fastest growing group in the workplace
3/5 women who experienced menopause symptoms at work said it had a negative impact on their work
65% are less able to concentrate
58% are more stressed
52% are less patient
30% took sick leave
How can yoga help?
Reduces stress and anxiety
There are many things you can control - in this practice we use breathing techniques, postures and meditation to:
calm the nervous system
relieve insomnia and sleep deprivation
restore energy if tired / fatigued
release anger / irritability
cool hot flushes
build muscle mass
prevent osteoporosis
mental health / self acceptance
In short, practical tools that are easy to learn and can be easily incorporated into daily life.
What can I offer?
75 minute Taster session introducing the course and providing real-life practical tools top help women manage their menopause
4 week course
Week 1 Yoga for Hot Flushes
Week 2 Yoga for Menopause Rage & Irritability
Week 3 Yoga for Anxiety & Overwhelm
Week 4 Yoga for Strength & Empowerment
I completed Menopause Yoga training with Petra Coveney at The Newson Menopause Clinic in Stratford Upon Avon in November 2021. I am a friendly and down-to-earth teacher, who loves to delve into the science of how we work as human beings. There’s always more learning to be done!
Contact me on balanceyogacoventry@outlook.com to find out more details and to book me
Book me
IN-PERSON / ZOOM
I’m happy to teach on-site or If your workplace is still operating on a mainly Work From Home basis then I can provide sessions via Zoom.
I am available for regular weekly bookings or for one-off enrichment days.
Contact me on balanceyogacoventry@outlook.com or 07952 182701 for availability and costs.
