Mindfulness at work can be a powerful tool to help you stay focused, motivated, and productive throughout the day. Practising mindfulness techniques has many benefits including reducing daily stress and anxiety. This allows you to perform your job better and be happier and more relaxed in the workplace. The practice of mindfulness in the workplace can be an invaluable tool for any employee and we encourage the practise whenever possible.
But…what exactly is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is simply the practice of focusing on your present moment without judgement or attachment. It is about being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without getting caught up in them.
Moreover, it is a form of self-care that can help you become more productive and have a better overall work experience. It sounds easy right? However, mindfulness in the workplace takes a bit of practice to reach optimal results but those results are well worth it, improving your mental health and your overall time during work hours.
How can I practise mindfulness in the workplace?
We can break the practise of mindfulness down into a few simple and easy to follow steps:
The first step to introducing mindfulness into your workday is to become aware of your current state of mind. Notice how you are feeling and what thoughts are coming up for you throughout the day. Try to make an effort to stay present in the moment and accept whatever arises without judgement but rather tackle logically and head on.
The next step is to set an intention for the day. What do you want to achieve? What do you want to focus on? Setting an intention at the start of each day can help you stay mindful and focused throughout the day. Write this intention down on a post-it note and stick it in a place you can see it in your office so you can keep reminding yourself of your day’s intention and stay focused on it.
Once you have set an intention, it is important to practise mindfulness throughout the day, don’t let your mind race or jump to negative spaces. This could include taking regular breaks to take a few deep breaths, practising mindful eating (don’t just mindlessly reach for processed snacks or sugary drinks that can affect your mood while you are working) or taking a few minutes to meditate.
Finally, take time to reflect at the end of each day. How did you do? What went well? What could you have done better? Reflecting can help you identify areas for improvement and can also be a great way to celebrate your successes. If you happen to slip on a particular day, that’s okay. Don’t dwell on it, tomorrow brings a new day and a fresh chance to practise mindfulness in the workplace.
It is no secret that practising mindfulness in the workplace can be a powerful tool to help you stay focused throughout the day and reduce stress and anxiety making for a happier workday. So, what are you waiting for? Tomorrow is a new day and with just a few simple steps, you can start to reap the benefits of practising mindfulness at work.
These steps can also help if you are suffering with anxiety and stress in your everyday life, taking time for ourselves is so important in this stressful world we live in
