Scores of studies have been conducted on yoga postures and its beneficial effects on our physical, cognitive, and psychological systems.

Yoga has proven effective in treating such physical ailments as back pain, insomnia, migraines, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, blood pressure, menopause, heart disease, and cancer.

There is also some strong evidence to suggest that yoga postures can improve mental and cognitive difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and possibly, ADHD.

Perhaps most importantly from the perspective of corporate wellness directors, yoga postures have also shown to be helpful in increasing concentration, worker motivation, memory, and creativity, while decreasing repetitive stress injuries (such as carpal tunnel syndrome),  eye-strain and absenteeism.

Here are citations from some of the most interesting studies:

Common Workplace Concerns

Stress Reduction

Yoga postures and related breathing techniques can have a significant impact on both subjective feelings of stress and measurable cortisol levels in the blood stream. One study even found that the regular practice of yoga is as effective as multiple sessions of in-depth, high-priced cognitive therapy.

Mayo Clinic Staff, “Yoga: Improve Your Stress Management and Relaxation Skills.” Mayo Clinic Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2008:Jan, 18. Online.

Justin Mager, et al., “Yoga Reduces Levels of the Stress Hormone Cortisol.” Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society by researchers from The Center for Integrative Medicine of Thomas Jefferson University. 2003:June, 19.

West, Otte, Geher, Johnson, & Mohr, “Effects of Hatha Yoga and African Dance on Perceived Stress, Affect, and Salivary Cortisol.” Annals of Behavioral Medicine. 2004: Oct., Vol. 28.

Brown RP, Gerbarg PL. “Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: part I-neurophysiologic model.” Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 2005;Feb, 11(1):189-201.

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