How young Londoners beat work stress with yoga

Building yoga into your routine can improve your health, increase strength and flexibility while reduce symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. Give it a go with ICAEW’s Younger Members London, says Holly Thompson.

June 2019

How do you feel when you wake up in the morning? How about when you get home from work?

I’m not just thinking about physically but emotionally too. Do you find yourself frequently feeling tired, burnt out and emotionally drained?

To overcome these feelings, I try to exercise, eat healthily and be positive about the day ahead, though by “try”, it’s probably more accurate to say “intend”. More often than not the pressures of everyday life get in the way.

So, what happens when these feelings cumulate and become overwhelming? It’s only really at that point that we take the time for some serious rest and relaxation.

Whether it’s a vacation or a staycation, we all take that precious time off work to recharge our batteries and to appreciate the world beyond the confines of our offices.

But what if it doesn’t have to be all or nothing? How about we recharge our batteries frequently so that we never run out of fuel? What if we take time out of our day to avert our gaze from our phones to take in the scenery?

One way that I’ve found to achieve these is practicing yoga. Taking 30 minutes out of my day makes a huge difference to my mental and physical well-being.

Whether I do it first thing in the morning to energise my body or last thing at night to quieten my mind, I always find it beneficial. If you’re not sure if yoga is your cup of tea then fear not, there are plenty of different types to suit all tastes and experiences.

Whether it be hot or cold, in silence or to music, or in a studio or at the beach, there are plenty of options.

Don’t be put off by any preconceptions of super flexible “yogis”. Classes are filled with all sorts of people and it has more benefits than you may realise. Incorporating it into your routine can help improve your health, increase strength and flexibility and reduce symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety in a relaxing and laid-back environment.

Younger Members London is organising a Yoga event on 9 July.

• Book your place

Holly Thompson is chair of Younger Members London

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