Yoga as part of Wellness in the Workplace: A Case Study

It was an absolutely amazing experience. The poster gained a lot of attention and I was able to meet and connect with many people. One professor in particular indicated that he was very interested in work and wellness issues and possibly applying for a SSHRC grant in this area in the future. He may also be a professor that I could do a reading course with through my MAIS program. I met an AU MHST professor who was also doing a poster presentation. It was good to have the opportunity to speak with him and talk to him about his experience at AU versus his home institution (he spoke highly of AU). People were very encouraging and interested in the presentation which made me feel better with what I had been doing. Many felt that the Yoga story was fascinating and could really relate the experience to their own. I felt very encouraged and supported at this conference. During the poster sessions there was a lot of discussion with people about the experience and I basically was explaining my experience to them. I did have a lot of people also say throughout the conference that they had read my full poster and really found it interesting. I was able to bring my experience into the oral presentation sessions I attended during question period. Personally, the critique I have of my own poster was that I put too much writing in the poster and probably wouldn’t make it as big as it was next time. The requirements were for a 4 by 8 foot poster but many people did not make their posters this big. Next time, I would probably make my poster a bit smaller and have less writing information on the poster. Because of this presentation I was able to make some valuable contacts for future studies and research. As well, it gave me the confidence and experience needed in order to be able to look at making future presentations both within this community and other associations. As an example, I am considering proposing presentations to both ARUCC and ASSC in 2008.This paper is written for a presentation at the 2nd Annual Atlantic Networks for Prevention Research (ANPR) Conference and is accompanied by a series of short activities that demonstrate some of the potential health benefits resulting from even minimal participation in Yoga practices. A brief history and description of the development of one Wellness Committee at a Canadian workplace and the activities that it has sponsored is presented. A summary of Yoga theory is given in relation to how incorporating structured Yoga practice in the workplace can be a significant factor in addressing common office workplace ailments and other health issues among employees. Finally, some of the challenges that may present themselves when attempting to implement Yoga as part of a formal wellness programAcademic & Professional Development Fund (A&PDF