MINDFULNESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Over the last month we have learnt the basics of mindfulness, the benefits of mindfulness, and how to implement it into a daily practice. Mindfulness however, doesn’t have to be something you only practice at home and we are seeing an increasing amount of companies implementing it into the workplace as a strategy to relieve stress, enhance concentration and increase productivity. Whilst we don’t all have the luxuries and mindfulness programs that some big brands (such as Apple and Google offer), below are a few exercises you can do on your own to achieve mindfulness in throughout your working day.

Firstly, to bring a sense of mindfulness into the workplace you must start your day right. Don’t rush, allow yourself some extra time to get ready in the morning, enjoy your breakfast in a relaxed environment and go about your normal routine with a strong sense of awareness, of your surroundings, feelings, and breathing.

In the workplace, pay more attention and listen to colleagues. Shift your mental focus from yourself and onto others, engaging with those around you and taking an interest in their projects. This simple technique can help improve relationships and overall atmosphere in the office.

Take a moment to be in the present. Whether it’s during your lunch break or sitting at your desk, take some time for yourself. Again focus on your breathing; you may also like to pay attention to your body language and posture, as we can often neglect this when slaving away at our desks all day. Listen to the sounds that surround you, relaxing any areas of the body you may feel tension. This exercise works to eliminate focus on overwhelming and stressful issues and allows you to concentrate on how you are feeling.

Lastly, at the end of the working day or any time before bed, take some time to reflect, holding back any judgement. You want to wake up with a clear mind to take on the next day, so reflect on what happened that day, how you felt and things you are grateful for, letting go of the day – separating work from home.