Mindfulness is simply the practice of awareness. Being mindful at work can help you better monitor and manage your stress, interact more positively with your peers and supervisors, and generally make you more productive. While it may feel that it is more productive to work hard and focus only on what explicitly relates to your work, practicing mindfulness is one of the most effective ways you can promote productivity and wellness.
Meditation
Though the art of meditation is not for everyone, practicing things like breathing techniques and grounding exercises can help you recenter yourself. This practice is especially beneficial for stressful and disorienting moments. Even if a lengthy meditation session doesn’t appeal to you, you can practice focused breathing to help you assess your stress, your current preoccupations, the condition of your body, and your attitude toward your work. Being aware of your inner thoughts and tendencies allows you to redirect your focus to whatever requires it most.
Listening
An invaluable skill in any environment is listening. Much of the time, we feel inclined to listen for the sake of responding, but it tends to be more beneficial to listen intently to what another person says with the intention of aiming to understand their perspective. Of course, responding to someone else is a natural part of conversation, but shifting your motivation and practicing active listening skills can improve your relationships with others and make you more aware of your surroundings and interactions.
Attention to Detail
A major practice of mindfulness includes being conscious of small details that accompany your everyday actions and patterns. When eating, for example, it is advised that you do so consciously, paying attention to sensory details including smell and texture while also noting your reactions to each bite. Similarly, making an effort to unplug while walking and when at home can help you appreciate the world around you; feeling the ground beneath your feet, documenting the temperature of the air and how it feels, and embracing moments of silence and solitude can help you connect with yourself and your surroundings.
It is important to manage your time wisely and complete your work in a timely fashion, but it is equally essential to consider your needs and prioritize your own wellbeing. Taking time to be mindful of your thoughts, relationships, and actions can help you better recognize your needs and optimize your performance at work.