When we think of practicing mindfulness, it's easy to visualize a quiet room, without any distractions, allowing us to tap in to our inner stillness. Unfortunately, that's not the reality for a lot of people. Especially when the poop is hitting the fan at work; so let's talk about how to bring a little bit of zen into your office or corporate environment so you can build a practice where you can access mindfulness at any time.
Here are some easy ways to bring mindfulness into your office or corporate environment:
Take a mindful walk.
When you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, sometimes the best thing you can do is step away from your desk and take a walk. But instead of just mindlessly walking around the office, try to be mindful of your surroundings. Pay attention to the way your feet feel as they hit the ground, the sound of your breath, and the sights and sounds around you. Take deep breaths and try to clear your mind of any distractions.
Breathe, baby, breathe!
When you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed at work, take a few minutes to focus on your breath. Close your eyes and take a deep inhale through your nose, counting to five. Then exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to seven. Repeat for a few minutes until you feel more centered and relaxed.
Take a break and stretch it out.
Sitting at a desk all day can be a real pain in the ass. Literally. Take a quick break and stretch your body. Reach your arms up high and take a deep breath in. Then, exhale and reach forward to touch your toes. Hold for a few seconds, then roll back up to standing. Repeat a few times and feel the tension release from your body.
Be present in the moment.
When you're in a meeting or working on a project, be fully present in the moment. Don't let your mind wander to the past or future. Focus on the task at hand and give it your full attention. This will not only help you be more productive, but it will also help you feel more centered and grounded.
Take a mindful lunch break.
Instead of scarfing down your sandwich at your desk, take a mindful lunch break. Step outside and enjoy the fresh air. Focus on the taste and texture of your food. Chew slowly and savor each bite. Take a few deep breaths and enjoy the present moment.
Practice gratitude.
Before you leave the office for the day, take a moment to reflect on all the good things that happened during your workday. Maybe you accomplished a difficult task, received a compliment from a co-worker, or simply made it through a stressful meeting. Whatever it is, take a moment to feel grateful for it. This will help you end your day on a positive note and set you up for a great day tomorrow.
Remember, practicing mindfulness doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Just taking a few moments to breathe, stretch, or be present can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being!
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