4 Relaxation Strategies that can Improve Productivity
Employees especially those working in a corporate environment are prone to high levels of stress and anxiety. Needless to say, it negatively affects the employees' productivity. It has been shown through various research studies that excessive amount of tension can be harmful to a person's health and therefore alters the usual flow of his ideas and thinking.
Nevertheless, there are several proven relaxation techniques that counteract the effects of stress. Similarly, these relaxation techniques also help in boosting productivity.
Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro technique is a time management method that enhances the worker's productivity by putting in short intervals between periods of work. Ideally, the Pomodoro technique calls for 25-minute work periods and five-minute breaks in between the work periods. Francesco Cirillo cited that the technique is an effective way to increase productivity while at the same time limiting the amount of stress.
The technique was first introduced in the 1980s and based itself on the basic management processes of goal setting, planning, tracking progress and executing the plan.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is another efficient way of controlling stress. It was first introduced by Claude Bernard in 1865, proposing that a person's body strives to maintain a steady state. Biofeedback can improve both a person's health and performance as it allows a person to willingly manipulate his states of mind and body.
Under the process of biofeedback, employees are taught how to recognize various physiological functions such as controlling heart rate, muscle tone, brainwaves and even pain perception.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing better known as deep breathing is the act of breathing heavily in order to release stress and tension in our bodies. Deep breathing makes a person think clearer and makes him act calmly.
It is believed that deep breathing does not only improves productivity by releasing excessive amounts of stress but it's also considered as a healthier and fuller way of breathing. Deep breathing is also being used to treat people with anxiety problem such as stuttering and excessive nervousness.
Pranayama
Pranayama is also a form of breathing and is closely associated with deep breathing. Moreover, pranayama is described as the regulation of breath. Pranayama techniques are also used extensively in Yoga exercises as it calms the mind and induces a calmer and more serene state of mind. It was also noted that pranayama develops a person's will power and sound judgment which are all important elements of productivity.
