With the constant busyness of the modern world we now find ourselves working in and the increasing use of technology enabling us to multi-task, there’s been an increasing focus for us to come back to the moment. Mindfulness is the ability to be present, to reset in the here and now, fully engaged with whatever we’re doing in the moment. No longer an activity reserved for the few; professionals are looking to mindfulness as an antidote to stress and burnout. There are clear advantages to building the concept of “being present” into our daily practice.
Mindfulness is about practicing a focused awareness on the present moment. It’s often associated with reducing anxiety, depression and stress. Research shows how those with mindful personalities enjoy improved sleep and experience greater emotional stability. There are lots of apps available to help you find time for mindful moments in your day. A popular one is called ‘Headspace’.
Sylvia Boorstein who has written many books on the subject of mindfulness wrote “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without clinging to it or rejecting it.” Mindfulness is not about switching off, but rather becoming fully aware of the present. This is something you can start to incorporate into your working day by paying more attention to your daily activities as you’re performing them. Mindfulness will become more effective, the more you integrate it into your daily routine.
Make a conscious effort to apply mindfulness and be more present and mindful in moments within your day, for example, whilst walking between meetings, drinking a morning coffee, eating your lunchtime sandwich, working at the computer, being more present in meetings or having a chat with a colleague or client. During your working day try taking a minute to focus on your breathing between tasks and take a quiet walk around the block. These small actions can calm your mind, make you more self-aware and provide you with a new perspective.
In addition to this blog post “Mindfulness”, you may find the following blog posts useful by The Eventus Recruitment Group:
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