Well, apparently, keeping everyone from having a simultaneous spiritual, emotional, and physical breakdown, that’s what.
At least according to the New York Times.
In a recent article, “Staying Healthy in a Sick Economy,” reporter Mandy Katz had this to say about apparent the (economic) healing powers of yoga:

“On Wall Street, when the going gets tough, will the tough get yoga mats? Adding classes in yoga, meditation and other so-called mind-body regimens is just one way fitness professionals in the financial district are responding to recent economic uncertainties roiling their corporate clientele…Fitness matters more than ever if you’re laid off, career counselors advise, not just for health, but to network and stay positive. “The last thing you want is to gain 20 pounds during a job search, ” said Dr. Jan Cannon, author of “Finding a Job in a Slow Economy.” “That just compounds that sense of, ‘What’s wrong with me?'” Exercise, she added, can also spur creativity. “You know how we always have those ‘aha’ moments in the shower?” Dr. Cannon said. In the same way, “a good brisk walk can be very helpful.”…Dr. Cannon recalled a client whose workouts last spring “got more frequent as time went on” — to block out the disappointment, and to give her something to get up and do every day.”
I’ll do yoga if it helps us all get through this. What “spiritual exercises” are you taking up to help get through these tough times?