Mindfulness can help reduce stress in our personal and professional lives.
Mindfulness is our ability to see what we’re thinking and feeling, without being overwhelmed by it. It’s the way in which we are able to feel sensations without being controlled by them. We are able to bring our experiences into our awareness, see them without judgment, and then respond to them from a place of compassion and understanding, instead of from a needy or selfish place inside.
Through the practice of mindfulness, our immune system is strengthened, we can have better concentration, and it’s much easier to focus on tasks. It can also improve our mood and reduce stress!
Mindfulness can very easily be learned and enhanced with just a little bit of willingness and discipline. To put it simply, it is the ability to step outside of yourself, take a look back in and say, "Why are you feeling that stress or tension?
What is the real true source of it? Is it worth letting it affect me in this way? What is the worst possible outcome? And, what is the best possible outcome? Finally, what is the most likely outcome? Now that I am aware of it, how will I handle it and allow it to lead me to my desired outcome?"
Meditation is one of the most effective ways to practice mindfulness.
Stress is simply a mental and often physical reaction to a perceived threat or change. Stress is less about the actual event and more about our perception of the event or the way we relate to it.
And since mindfulness is the ability to be in control of our own minds instead of our minds being in control of us, we can have more control over our response to stress by paying attention, on purpose in the present moment, without judgment. As you practice mindfulness, you will gain greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions, feelings, and behavior so youcan interrupt stress cycles before they increase out of control.
Here are some ideas to practice mindfulness to reduce stress while working on your business this week:
1) Slow Things Down
As you begin your day, slow things down a bit as begin your morning routine, checking in with your body and notice if there’s any tension. Try and soften things.
2) Focus on Your Breathing
Remember to notice your breathing, and feel the sensation as you walk and as you sit down. Try to take a few deep breaths before you begin to check your email or voice messages. (Tip: Many efficiency experts don’t check their email or Facebook first thing in the morning. They often schedule times to do this, like after a grounding morning routine: exercise, shower, breakfast, reading and meditation; and stick to the routine to keep them from disappearing down rabbit holes and getting lost off track.)
3) While You're Eating
When you’re eating today, consider having a meal by yourself, eating more slowly, and try to tune in to the taste of your food.
4) Reflect on the Day
Take a few moments at the end of the workday to reflect upon what happened that day: what went well, and what other areas can be improved upon. Try and do this exercise in a non-judgmental manner.
5) Check in with Your Body
As you check-in with yourself, notice how your body is doing and feel if there is any tension. Breathe into any tense parts of your body and release the tension with your exhalation
Comments