THE GIFT

YOGA* MEDITATION & BREATHING TECHNIQUES IN THE WORKPLACE

yoga The Practice

Yoga as a mind-body practice/therapy MBT= are techniques designed to enhance the minds positive impact on the body Benefits Include: 1.Relieves aches and pains in the spine and joints 2.Improves mood 3.Stress Reduction (let’s talk about Stress for a second)

Effects of stress Impacts decision making Impacts memory Suggests procrastination Foul mood Decline in physical health

Yoga- as a philosophy The 8 Limbs of Yoga YAMA - Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows NIYAMA - Positive duties or observances ASANA - Posture PRANAYAMA - Breathing techniques PRATYAHARA - Sense withdrawal DHARANA - Focused concentration DHYANA - Meditative absorption  SAMADHI - Bliss or enlightenment

Breathing Techniques Pranayama Pranayama can be understood as either ‘prana-yama’ which would mean ‘breath – control’ or ‘breath restraint’, or it could be understood as ‘prana-ayama’ which would translate as ‘freedom of breath’, ‘breath expansion’ or ‘breath liberation

Breathing Techniques Lions breath Alternate nostril breath Belly or natural breath Ujayi breath The Remembering breath

https://youtu.be/Aw71zanwMnY Meditation “Brain training” Meditation is simply training your brain to be aware yet calm. You are calmly observing your thoughts without judgement. https://youtu.be/Aw71zanwMnY

Benefits Improves health Improves energy levels Improves clarity during stressful times or times when there is a conflict You can help others without judging them first. Helps you stay motivated at work Improves posture Mood boost

Types of meditation Mindfulness meditation Zen meditation Mantra meditation Guided meditation

Let’s put it all together

Recommended apps and readings Headspace website or app The CALM app Learned Optimism by Martin E. Seligman The Healer Within by Roger Jahnke

Questions