Derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning yoke or union, yoga is an ancient practice that brings together mind and body. It combines breathing exercises, meditation and poses designed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress levels.
Practicing yoga is said to come with many benefits for both mental and physical health, at the Career Teachers office, the team were encouraged to join the lunch time Yoga class which takes place every Thursday. With a group of people interested in taking part, we wanted to get an insight into yoga having a positive impact on the work-life balance and how it can benefit your day to day life.
We spoke to Fenella, Geoff and Kate about their experience and how they got on in the class.
Geoff
“I started doing yoga as my personal trainer had suggested it would complement the work I was doing in the gym with weights and when the opportunity came up I decided to give it a try!
I was quite surprised initially how much it did impact on my mental well-being but I find it a huge stress reliever and at the end of a session I always feel revitalised both physically and mentally.
If there are any negative effects I am yet to discover them and now that I have been going for a few months I would recommend it to others unreservedly!”
Kate
“I have never done yoga before now so it’s been a great opportunity to do such a high quality session here in the comfort of our own office building. Doing a physical activity is also a great way to utilise a lunch time at least once a week.
Incorporating this routine into my busy week really helps with self- discipline, doing activities outside of work that really benefit me. It has really helped with my flexibility, core and muscle strength. It also helps to focus your mind, to slow down and reflect.
I also feel that any sport is a great may to utilise lunchtimes. After a yoga session, I return to my desk feeling even more empowered, focused and relaxed.”
Fenella
“I was inspired by my colleagues who had been before and had said it had made them feel more relaxed during a long work week. I think exercise is really important for the mind and body, definitely for me it’s more of a mental thing and sometimes it’s hard to find the time to get exercise in so during a lunch break is ideal. I think all forms of exercise have positives and yoga helps me de-stress.”
Overall, there has been a positive response about the lunchtime yoga classes at the Career Teachers headquarters and it is something that is definitely recommended to everyone with a busy lifestyle or career that need just one hour down time a week to work on their mental and physical well-being. Yoga has become more and more popular in recent years as more people are being exposed to the health benefits.
Yoga is also being encouraged in schools across the country as children can benefit from this as well!
There are many other blogs and studies available online to read and give you more of an insight into yoga.
Here at Career Teachers, we are always looking for teachers and support staff for stimulating career opportunities within London Primary, Secondary and SEND schools. If you are interested in looking for a new role or know someone else who is, then please get in touch with us. Call us on 020 7105 3499 or email us at info@careerteachers.co.uk.