LETTER REQUESTING YOGA/MEDITATION AT WORK

To Whom It May Concern:

We, the undersigned, want to learn how to transform work-related stress into enthusiasm and better work performance. We feel it is possible, through daily attitude adjustments, to turn stress into motivation, and to work at higher levels of efficiency.

There is scientific proof that wellness-enhancing ancient wisdom exercises such as yoga and meditation do help employees to perform better. They also help to minimize stress-related illnesses and insurance claims for countless conditions. Hypertension, headaches, common colds and other immune system disorders, heart disease, circulatory problems, digestive problems, ulcers and intestinal ailments, and even dermatological conditions. In short, many of the illnesses people call in sick for, can be alleviated in natural ways.

Researchers from the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester say that yoga in conjunction with meditation can actually relieve stress and improve work performance? It’s true! The Stress Reduction Clinic is the oldest and largest hospital-based mind/body center of its kind in the United States. It has treated more than 10,000 patients since 1979. (See March/April 1999 issue of Yoga Journal for more in-depth information.)

Long-term, untreated stress can cause extreme moodiness and emotional disorders that lead to costly psychological problems. There’s also violent behavior and spousal abuse, which are sometimes triggered when someone "snaps" under extreme work-related stress. Prolonged stress can also trigger symptoms of many pre-existing medical or psychological conditions that people don’t even realize they have!

Out of gratitude to employers who provide preventative training on-site, many employees stay with the company longer, becoming more experienced and effective in their jobs, helping to maintain a positive attitude among their fellow employees. Of course this makes the whole workplace more pleasant for everyone. In fact, yoga and meditation can help to increase courtesy and respect in the "people culture" of the organization. There’s also an increase in trust and mutual support, teamwork, personal development, openness to continuous learning, and a more caring environment.

We would appreciate and support any program that may be offered, such as a yoga/meditation class, or a spiritual workplace consultation with a specialist such as Polaris Business Guides.

Sincerely, NAME EXT.# DATE

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