Cultivating Mindfulness At Work

2015-08-18 17:28:33 CPCC Blogging Team

Stay Present For A Saner Workday

You know that emotionally drained feeling that comes with starting your commute home all too well. You may think that you have to wait until retirement to skip out on this sensation, but there is actually a way that you can improve your mental health and well being on the job today! By practicing mindfulness throughout your workday you can actively and effectively combat fatigue and stress. Here are a few tips to help you breathe awareness into your work routine.

• Accept It. If you are feeling stressed, one of the worst things you can do is try to change your feelings. You will just end up frustrated that you are still feeling stressed! Instead, take a moment and acknowledge, “This is how I’m feeling.” This strategic acceptance and mindfulness allows you to think more clearly about a solution to your stress.
• Make Space. Do you have nine extra minutes in your workday? If so, you can transform it! Take a three-minute break a few times a day and use this time to mindfully take deep breaths, calm your thoughts, and relax your body. We promise, your boss will not be upset about the three minutes of personal time you took when he or she sees your productivity skyrocket afterwards!
• Unplug. It is all too easy to never be off the clock in our modern age of email. Unless you absolutely need to stay in constant contact, turn off your work email when you are not at work. Even if your job requires after-hour maintenance, carve spaces in your schedule where you can take the time to digitally detox. When you are not distracted by your phone buzzing every five seconds, getting in the habit of practicing mindfulness becomes much easier!

If you would like to learn more about mindfulness and how you can use it to improve your mental health, contact the Community Presbyterian Counseling Center in San Ramon, California. Our team is committed to helping people live their happiest, most balanced lives!

Mental Health