5 Reasons Yoga is perfect for shift work – Nurses and Hospitality

It would be hard to say there are bad reasons for anyone to do yoga. The entire body/mind/spirit philosophy embodied by yoga is seriously hard to beat. Yoga – originating in ancient history somewhere in the region we now call India – promotes wellness as a balance rather than exercise as a part of your day. Yoga, when done correctly, promotes peace of mind, reduces stress, and of course, works on strength and flexibility. It is the perfect combination of meditation and exercise. It’s an excellent part of almost anyone’s life, but yoga is perfect for shift work.

Yoga reduces stress.

Shift work is notorious for stressful environments but less known is that shift work is stressful by its own nature. The body follows the circadian rhythm set naturally largely by the sun. Our bodies want to stay in that rhythm, but when we work late shifts or overnights, or worse yet the dreaded swing shift, we throw off that rhythm and increase our bodies stress. Stress plays a part in many physical, mental, and emotional ailments. yoga is perfect for shift work because it reduces your stress levels from working odd hours.

Yoga increases energy.

Well, an exercise of any kind on a regular basis helps to boost our energy throughout a day. But Yoga does so in a way that promotes both physical increases in energy and the mental calmness to harness that boost throughout a day. The centering effect of the meditative aspects of Yoga can create a sort of mental energy not found in many other forms of exercise. And one thing we need on the overnights is a little more energy.

Yoga boosts the immune system and lowers blood pressure.

This one is also very true about most types of exercise. Running, weight lifting, climbing – they all help improve how your body functions. Yoga is perfect for shift work because it does this efficiently. Think of it as stretching and strengthening all at the same time. But also with a rhythm to your breathing that helps with both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health at the same time.

Yoga makes you easier to be around.

Exercise has been shown to improve mood in many studies. Yoga takes this to a whole new level. Yoga improves mood not only through the physical aspects of exercise – releasing chemicals during and after a workout that help with mood, sleep, stress, etc. – but it also asks the practitioner to center themselves. Forcing your mind into a meditative state through posture, focus, and breathing helps to train the mind for later. Your mood improves, your clients/patients/customers thank you.

Yoga is a vacation.

Okay, bear with me here. When you first start an exercise program it is tough to stick with it. But if you find a way (and my challenge groups boost those odds considerably) then you’ll begin to look forward to those 30-60 minutes a day when you let your world dissolve and yoga take its place. It’s a daily reprieve from reality that makes you stronger to face the next shift.

New to yoga? Want to learn without going to a gym or studio? Good, then check this out. And if you need help with the follow through, join my free yoga challenge group.