Yoga, an ancient practice, is a wonderful form of exercise. Not only does it offer physical and mental health benefits to people of all ages, all around the world, but it’s also something you can do in a variety of different ways – you can attend a formal group yoga class, meet up with a few friends in your local park and started stretching together, or you can tune into a free, online yoga class at home on your own.
We know that working in a healthcare setting is one of the most rewarding jobs out there, however it can also be very challenging - on your body, but on your mind too. It is an environment that can at times be stressful and so it’s really important to find ways to manage and cope with those feelings ahead of a busy shift.
In this blog we list five benefits of doing a yoga session before you start a busy healthcare shift at work, to get you feeling ready, relaxed and prepared for the day ahead:
Lots of the popular stress-relief techniques we use today come from this 5,000-year-old practice –stretching, meditation, controlled breathing and physical movement. The National Institute of Health reports that yoga supports stress management, mental health, mindfulness and quality sleep – all things that can help you to deal with those potentially stressful situations at work.
The slow movements and poses of yoga, whilst breathing deeply, can increase blood flow and build up your muscles. Let’s face it, it takes a lot of core strength to hold your body in a balanced yoga pose! It is also said that stretching early in the morning relieves tension and any pain you may’ve developed from the night before. So, get stretching first thing to help prepare your body for the busy day ahead!
Relaxation is very important in the morning because it helps us to have a calmer and clearer mind, which in-turn aids positive thinking and better decision making – both crucial on the hospital ward or when out caring for patients in the community. A few ways you can relax when you’re short on time in the morning is by taking deep breathes, doing a 10-minute exercise class on YouTube, writing in a gratitude journal or having a nutritious breakfast.
Because yoga benefits us in both physical and mental health ways, it is one of the best methods of self-care we can do for ourselves. It teaches us to break down obstacles (both physical and emotional) and creates mental clarity and calmness in a full-on world. Doing a yoga class first thing in the morning is a wonderful way to wakeup your body and be kind to yourself.
Giving yourself the gift of a 20-minute yoga session before your busy day at work begins certainly improves your chances of being in a good mood throughout the day! After practicing yoga, you’re likely to feel an increase in your physical and mental energy, as well as a boost in your enthusiasm, especially if it becomes a regular thing!
To find a yoga class in your local area, visit www.yoganearby.com or if you’d like to give it a go in the comfort of your own home, you can enjoy Yoga With Adriene for free on YouTube – there are lots of sessions, all for differing abilities, for you to try out!
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