‘Yoga or other physical relaxation techniques may help overcome work-related stress. A detailed analysis has shown that among these various techniques, yoga hits the top list in reducing occupational stress when compared to no intervention.
’
The present analysis included 15 randomized clinical trials with a total of 688 healthcare workers. The effects of yoga, massage therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, and stretching on alleviating stress and improving physical and mental health were then examined.
It was found that the physical relaxation methods had reduced the overall occupational stress when compared with the no-intervention group. Among various techniques, yoga and massage therapy were found to be more effective, with yoga being the best method on detailed analysis.
“Work-related stress has been linked with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and other serious causes of morbidity. Our results suggest that physical relaxation methods are helpful in reducing occupational stress. Yoga is particularly effective and can be delivered virtually, making it convenient for employers to offer distance options to promote worker health,” says lead author Michael Zhang, MD, of the Southern Nevada Health District.
Source: Medindia
