Seven More Ways to be Mindful at Work

02.10.2017

Increased demands at work and less down-time are evidently contributing to higher levels of stress and burnout among employees. While any organisational dysfunction that contributes to stress needs to be fixed in its own terms, mindfulness training can certainly help.

 

 

Mindfulness expert Dr. Danny Penman says:

“Mindfulness essentially means awareness. Becoming aware of what's going on around you can make a huge difference, because we spend so much time wrapped up in our thoughts that we lose contact with the real world. That's especially the case if you're constantly bombarded by email, Facebook posts and Twitter. It's not really conducive to a calm and productive work environment.”

With that in mind, here are seven more ways to be mindful at work.

1. Parking distance

If you park at your workplace, maybe make a point of parking further away from the entrance and give yourself the chance of a mindful walk into work. Take a moment to breathe and appreciate the outdoors – even if it's raining!

2. Try a different stop

If you’re using public transport, consider getting off a stop earlier than usual. The exercise has its own obvious benefits and it’s another chance to tune into yourself and establish some mindfulness. Enjoy your walk and take note of your surroundings. It might be that you see a part of your town that you've never seen before.

3. The day ahead

As you approach your office or place of work, orient your thoughts to the day ahead. However, instead of thinking about specific deadlines or tasks, consider how you want to use this day. What would you like to achieve? Your ambitions could be broad and general, or small desires.

4. Tune in

When you are sitting at your desk or workstation, tune into your body's sensations from time to time. Notice any tension that might be there and breath into it, softening and easing the tight feeling. Correcting your posture can also be part of your Mindfulness.

5. Breaks

When you have a break at work, instead of reading the paper or searching on the internet, take a real break. Get away from your computer – take a short walk and get outside if you can. Even ten minutes away from a screen can offer rejuvenation to a tired mind.

6. Lunchtime escape

At lunchtime, the same applies. Get away from your desk or workstation. If you can, turn off your phone and get some air. Pause. If you meet with colleagues over lunch, try talking about things other than work from wherever possible. Your co-workers may appreciate this opportunity too.

7. Peace in solitude

Maybe eat one or two meals each week in silence, and eat these meals more slowly than usual. Savour the meal, enjoying the flavours and textures. In these moments, just be with yourself. Let your mind wander where it wants, always bringing it back to the present should you find yourself thinking about work.

 

To find out more about mindfulness at work, contact rachel@mindfulnessworks.com, or call (+44) 01223 750660.