"Why don't you try yoga!" When problems at work are stressing you out, it's often advice from friends or colleagues. On the one hand, it's truly gratifying when yoga practice is valued as a valuable support in our hectic Western working world. On the other hand, yoga is so multifaceted that it's essential that you choose the optimal style. Especially if you've never practiced yoga before and it's recommended to you as a way to counteract stress at work, finding the right yoga style is important when starting out. This overview provides you with important tips for your perfect business yoga.
Intervertebral disc or burnout?
One of the positive aspects of yoga is that you can tailor your practice to your individual needs, even during a class. Nevertheless, it's worth examining the different yoga styles – especially if you want to use yoga to address work-related stress. Is it more a physical imbalance – for example, from working on a computer at an office? Are you more emotionally stressed, and do your projects haunt you even in your sleep? Does your job tend to be overwhelming or under-challenging for you? You can consider all of these things when choosing the right yoga style. This article offers some valuable suggestions.
Back yoga: stay upright at work!
"It's a pain with this job." - Often it's computer work that causes us tension. But sometimes we also belittle ourselves when the boss is angry. Back yoga includes numerous asanas that strengthen weak muscles, stretch shortened muscles, and mobilize the spine. One of the goals of yoga is upright posture—both standing and sitting. This stabilizes the spine and protects your intervertebral discs. In yoga, external and internal posture are connected: You also learn not to let more load onto your back than you can handle.
Iyengar Yoga: Support for you!
A stiff neck. A tingling pain in your arm. Or a stiff shoulder. Unphysiological stresses at work often lead to orthopedic and neurological problems. It's important that you have these checked out by your doctor first. If your doctor has advised you and approves of your planned yoga practice, Iyengar yoga could be right for you. The famous Indian yoga teacher BKS Iyengar placed great importance on the correct execution of yoga exercises. So, if you can't perform an asana in the classic way due to your discomfort, his yoga offers props like blocks, bolsters, and straps for correct alignment.
Yin Yoga: Pure relaxation
The stack of files on your desk is piling up, your inbox is overflowing—and you still can't say "no"? This is what you'll learn in Yin Yoga! This gentle style of yoga is characterized by extensive stretches—sometimes lasting up to five minutes. With this variation of yoga, your muscles and fascia learn the same thing you do: letting go. This is truly essential for holistic relaxation, which is important both at work and in your everyday life. A valuable extra tip for you: Some yoga studios offer a combination of Yin Yoga and foam rolling exercises. Tense muscles are first rolled, then stretched.
Power Yoga - free yourself from job stress
"Yoga and meditation are too quiet for me—I can't switch off." This argument is often heard among people who give their all at work. But there are challenging yoga styles that offer even the workaholic a starting point where they can unwind. Power Yoga is one of them. The name of this modern yoga style, developed by the American Bryan Kest, says it all. You can work yourself to the limit while still enjoying relaxing and meditative elements. This yoga style might also be right for you if you're athletically ambitious and want to combine yoga with a sweat as a counterbalance to your job.
Hatha: the yoga of sun and moon
Ha and Tha are the terms for the sun and moon, respectively. They give the yoga style that is probably the most well-known in our country its beautiful name. Hatha Yoga is something like the mother of all yoga styles. The most famous exercise in this foundation is Surya Namaskar. The Sun Salutation, as a dynamic sequence, is actually rather atypical for Hatha Yoga, which gives you stability and balance through static asanas – such as the warrior pose. This yoga grounds you. It gives you strength, relaxation, and flexibility – everything that can be valuable support in your daily work life. The ideal yoga for beginners!
Ashtanga Yoga: for order in life
Ashtanga Yoga is closely associated with the Indian yoga teacher Patthabi Jois. It has an impressive tradition. What makes it special is that all asanas are practiced in a fixed order. They are categorized into specific series. Only when a series is mastered should the yogi move on to the next level. Correct execution of the asanas is paramount. This style of yoga is suitable if you value a structured yoga session as a counterbalance to your chaotic job. Important: You should be somewhat athletic for the demanding Ashtanga Yoga. Are you keen on traveling? In Mysore, India, you can learn the traditional style authentically.
When a visit to the doctor is important
Even though many yogis are convinced of the holistic, positive effects of yoga, one thing is really important: Have any work-related issues checked out by a doctor. This has two advantages: First, you can avoid yoga exercises that aren't good for you. These might include inversions for high blood pressure, for example. Second, a health assessment is also important for your yoga teacher. While they're not a doctor, they can offer valuable options for your yoga practice if you have any issues. Does your doctor approve of yoga? Then choose your yoga style!
It’s okay to take a look!
Many yoga classes offer trial sessions so you can find your yoga style. Once you've learned the correct exercise form in the class, you can perfectly integrate yoga practice into your everyday work life. You can practice flexibly and enjoy a few asanas or a relaxation exercise even while traveling for work or during your lunch break. Perhaps your colleagues are also interested in yoga and its beneficial effects for those with a lot to do in the workplace? Some employers certainly value and encourage this. This might include contributing to the cost of yoga classes or providing a company yoga room that everyone can use.
