When we think about mindfulness, it’s easy to picture someone meditating in silence on the top of a distant mountain, trying to find inner peace. And while there are some genuine connections between meditation and mindfulness it can be difficult to know how to apply it within real life. Especially when you’re working long hours in a high-pressure role.
However, mindfulness isn’t something reserved for individuals with ample time on their hands. When we apply the principles of mindfulness to our everyday lives, we can utilise these methods to create a happier, pleasant working environment, be more productive and of course be present, thoughtful and mindful. You can find out more about the effects of mindfulness, here. Want to know more? In this post, we’ll explore mindfulness in the workplace with 4 ways it can be implemented. Read on to find out more.
Focus on Your Breathing
When things are piling up on you, it doesn’t take long for stress to take over. This can quickly impact your productivity, your attitude and your mood. Before stress takes over, consider focusing on your breathing with a simple breathing exercise. A simple way to practice mindfulness at work, taking a moment to focus on inhaling and exhaling over a few minutes can reduce your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, keeping you calm and in control.
Remember to Take Breaks
Taking breaks can feel counterproductive at work, however practising mindfulness in the workplace means you’re more inclined to return to your duties, refreshed and reset – ready to take on that growing pile of documents. Taking some time away from your desk every hour to stretch your body, get in some steps, focus on your breathing or keep hydrated will boost your productivity and make you feel less pressured.
Listen
We’ve all been there, nodded mindlessly during meetings or conversations with colleagues, just in the hope of progressing the interaction. Whether you’re eager to get back to work, or simply bored with the topic of discussion, don’t simply wait for your turn to talk. Instead, try to ignore that voice that insists that the meeting is dull, instead, practise active listening and absorb what your colleagues are telling you. This approach helps you be more present and can even improve your relationships with your co-workers.
Practice Mindful Gratitude
When you’re having a bad day, it’s easy to think that the whole company is against you and you’re just about ready to throw in the towel. It’s during episodes like this that you need to practice mindful gratitude. This could be writing down a couple of things that you like about your job, and how having the job benefits your life. It’s not easy when you’re feeling a little stretched, but this simple approach to mindfulness can also be implemented in other areas of your life.
In conclusion…
Practising mindfulness at work means prioritising your mental health and being present in the moment. This approach can also benefit your home life, as you’ll find it easier to set boundaries and transition from one part of your life to the other easily. Consider the points above to get started on your mindfulness journey.
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