Greetings,

Return on Investment! Everyone wants a good deal – to feel that our time and money is well spent and that we’ll reap the benefits. We do our homework, make the investment and we expect to see results; especially in tough economic times.

In December 2010, the well respected Harvard Business Review published What’s the Hard Return on Employee Wellness Programs? It is an extensive research piece on Workplace Wellness that demonstrates a variety of real-time benefits that include lower costs to companies, greater productivity, higher morale and here’s the kicker - healthier employees. As noted in the article, a study conducted by Doctors Richard Malani and Carl Lavie indicates that ‘Government incentives or not, healthy employees cost you less. Medical claims declined and the bottom line: Every dollar invested in the intervention yielded $6 in health care savings.’ Similar results were found by the authors of this article when conducting their own research at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Although there appears to be no exact formula for an effective Workplace Wellness Program, the article describes the construction of ‘six strong pillars’ that will support its success – from Multilevel leadership that creates a culture of health to Partnerships in active, ongoing collaboration with internal and external partners. Read the entire article here.

Beyond the Bridge has designed a system that focuses on Life-Work Balance and Stress Resiliency. We can seamlessly integrate with your company’s existing Workplace Wellness Program or collaborate with you to create a Workplace Wellness Program that is unique to your company’s employees and environment; a natural extension of your identity. We believe in forging partnerships through integration, interaction, education and research with other leading edge companies focused on Integrative Healthcare; for example, Cura Personalis Culinary Service, a leader in the field of Nutrition and Naam Biomedical Society, a 501 (3) C Non Profit organization that is dedicated to life saving research and educational programs.

Here’s a health tip to help reverse the toxic effect that stress has on your body, your mind, your mood, and your overall effectiveness and productivity.

1. Sit comfortably, spine straight, shoulders relaxed, eyes closed with hands resting on your thighs. Begin by centering yourself with Long Deep Breathing (through the nose) for a few moments, focusing on each inhale and exhale. Take slow, deep breaths through your nose remaining focused on your breath as you inhale and exhale. As you inhale, your belly expands as it fills with air and as you exhale, your navel point goes back towards your spine. Continue breathing through the nose and extend the length of each inhale to the count of 4 then each exhale to the count of 4. Count to 4 slowly as you inhale and count to 4 slowly as you exhale. Eyes remain closed. This specific breath count pattern establishes internal balance and clarity.  1 - 3 minutes.

2. Breath of Glow is a cleansing breath that is practiced in Naam Yoga. Hand posture: thumb tip to index fingertip resting on lap or knees. This hand posture is called Gyan Mudra in yogic terminology and brings calmness and peace of mind. Emphasis is on a forceful exhalation (nose) followed by an automatic, gentle inhale (nose). On the exhalation, the navel is pumped and compressed inward, squeezing the air out. Upon releasing this internal contraction, the air is naturally drawn back into the lungs. The pace is swift but not rapid. Listen to the sound of your breath, particularly as you exhale. This breath draws out toxins, cleaning the lymphatic system as it strengthens the Immune System. 3-10 minutes.

3. To end: Inhale through nose for a count of 4, suspend the breath for a count of 4 and exhale slowly for a count of 4. Inhale again; raise the arms up, exhale and for 30 seconds shake hands and arms vigorously to rid the body of any tension or blockages. For the adventuresome and to remain young at heart: Laugh out Loud as you shake your hands and arms. Laughing is another great way to boost your Immune system and it makes you feel good.

Breathe deeply, Walk daily and Smile!

Please pass this along to your friends, colleagues and family!

With Love, Peace and Light,
Beyond the Bridge

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