Practicing Mindfulness In The Workplace
What does your typical workday look like?
When you wake up, are you immediately flooded with thoughts of what needs to be accomplished at work today? Maybe you feel like you’re on auto-pilot as you pour that second cup of coffee and hop into the shower. When you finally head out of the house, do you find yourself wondering…
Did I unplug my curling iron?
Did I turn off the coffee pot?
Did I lock the front door?
Did the garage door shut all the way?
Sometimes… you may even turn around to double-check (only to find out, yes, you did do the thing).
If our minds are preoccupied with the workday before we even clock in, it can be difficult or nearly impossible to be present in other areas of our lives, like our mornings. It doesn’t have to be this way. Learning how to slow down and be mindful while we are at work is just one way we can level up our lives. And, when we are able to be present at home, present at work, and present wherever we are, our productivity increases and decreases the risk of burnout. So, let’s start.
Starting your workday
Before your workday begins, take a moment to slow down and check in with yourself. Just notice what is there with you. Is it stress, chaos, tension, gratitude, peace, stillness? Take an extra moment to breathe through any lower-level thoughts or feelings and then notice the higher-level thoughts and strengthen those. Prepare yourself to walk into your workspace with a clear mind, ready to tackle whatever the day holds.
Workplace Mindfulness Tips:
Breathwork: As you drive to work stay in touch with your breathing. If you experience stress or traffic then practice “Peace Begins With Me”
Environment: As you walk to the office, notice nature sights and sounds and smile!
Find ways to be present: Notice each step as you take it, notice as your feet hit the ground and how your feet feel in your shoes.
Plan breaks: If you work at a desk, schedule a few time outs each day to stop, take some deep breaths and send a note of gratitude out into the world. If possible, once a week, eat by yourself in silence. Eat slightly slower, and really tune into the sense of taste while eating.
Create space for transitions: Make a conscious transition as you move between tasks, calls, meetings. Notice where one ends and the next begins.
Find ways to unplug when you leave: Set an intention to RELAX on the way home. Take a new route, drive a bit slower, or listen to an audio book or your favorite radio station. Notice what you enjoyed about your day or what you would like to do better and just make a mental note. Make your commute purposeful instead of a means to an end.
Practice leaving work at work: When arriving home, take a few minutes in the car to transition from work to home. Ask yourself how you would like the rest of your day to go and stay mindful of that intention. Focus on your breath for a moment, notice if your body is tense, and if so, try to soften those muscles by breathing in and out of them, with awareness, and just letting them be.
The Journey to Joy Membership Portal
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