---

 

The Rapid Rise Of Yoga and Its Benefits

Across America, the number of people practicing Yoga has been increasing dramatically for several years. A survey recent by Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal reports that 36 million Americans are now practicing yoga. That’s an increase of 50% over the 2012 number. Three times more adults over 50 are practicing Yoga than four years ago.

But the survey also reveals that many people still feel Yoga is not for them. They view it as too exclusive — only for women, the flexible or athletic or people who are highly spiritual.

The benefits of Yoga are well documented. Studies have found that it improves cardiovascular health, digestion, flexibility, balance and overall quality of life. Yoga is an active form of meditation that reduces stress and anxiety. It also provides clarity of thought and greater self-awareness.

If you’re already practicing Yoga, keep it up. If you’re not, I urge you to try it – even if it means adding it to your current exercise schedule.

---

The Real Link Between Money & Happiness

There is a widely-held notion that when we increase our income, we increase our happiness. Researchers in Germany and the UK have proven that is not the case. They examined income changes in more that 18,000 adults with different personality types over nine years.

They discovered that people – regardless of personality type — were no more satisfied with their lives when their income increased. However, when their income decreased, there was a reduction in their satisfaction. The dissatisfaction was far greater for people who considered themselves to be conscientious, effective and efficient in the way they handle things.

This study is a wake up call for anyone who believes that — all things being equal — a raise will improve how happy you are. It turns out that financial stability is more important than pay increases. Making changes that sustain your income level, but address other areas that are lacking in your job or career is what will yield greater overall satisfaction.

---

Why Employees May Be Disengaged

Three out of ten American workers feel disengaged — says a 2015 Gallup Poll. AND they estimate that employee disengagement costs the U.S. economy $450-$550 billion in lost productivity every year.

To shed some light on the problem, the global management consulting firm, McKinsey & Company, sifted through decades of its own data. They analyzed surveys from 3 million employees at some 1,300 organizations. According to their Organizational Health Index, there is a big disconnect between how employees view the effectiveness of their leaders and how the leaders view themselves.

McKinsey found that top management tends to be more optimistic than front line employees about the company’s ability to perform long-term, as well as their own capacity to motivate and lead by example. So what may be driving disengagement is that executives lack a realistic picture of their effectiveness when it comes to generating enthusiasm that boosts productivity.