The Best Way to Release Work Stress

While finding better work-life balance can certainly help, a new report released in July 2021 found that yoga is the best relaxation technique for reducing work-related stress.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind The Best Way to Release Work Stress    Even if you love your job, a little bit of work stress is inevitable. While finding better work-life balance can certainly help, a new report released in July 2021 found that yoga is the best relaxation technique for reducing work-related stress.   The report compiled and reviewed 15 trials involving 688 healthcare workers and relaxation methodologies, including yoga, massage therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, and stretching exercises. While all these techniques were helpful at relieving work-related stress to some degree, yoga was the winner.   The type of yoga or the movements studied weren't specified, but future research can help determine whether certain kinds are more beneficial compared to others. Also, while this study was conducted on healthcare workers specifically, experts believe that yoga can serve as a stress reliever for people in all work fields.     The actual translation of the word yoga in Sanskrit is 'union.' Union is our connection to all—to our breath, to our hearts, to nature, and to others. Yoga brings us back into connection." — INGRID YANG, MD, JD  What This Means For You One of the greatest things about yoga is that is so accessible to anyone, anywhere. Studios and classes are widely available, and there are even online classes and free YouTube videos to watch and follow.   If you're a beginner, we recommend taking some time to identify a yoga style that speaks to you and giving it a try. Some are slow and stretch-based, while others involve more movement; all help align your mind, breath, and body. Note how you feel before, during, and after, and stick with your practice to reap the rewards.     On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us For free Yoga classes, check out Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube. This impressive library of free yoga videos is perfect for all levels, bodies, genders, and souls, Products to Help You Feel Your Best No matter where you're at in your practice, a Gaiam Cork Yoga Block can come in handy (quite literally). It's meant to be used as an extension of your arms and can help your body "open up" in certain poses. If you're science-minded, understanding the way yoga impacts your muscles can be a real motivator for your practice. Ray Long's bestselling The Key Muscles of Yoga: Scientific Keys, Volume I offers a fascinating exploration of the body as it relates to common poses. Read These Next 11 Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Yoga READ NOW 30 Must-Know Yoga Poses for Beginners READ NOW How to Do Three-Part Breath in Yoga READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy