Being focused is one thing, being attentive is another. But being mindful is something that icovers everything.
Now, try to apply this at your workplace:
1. Be aware of your emotions
2. Be aware of your thoughts
3. Focus on what are your goals
4. Try to be non-judgmental if someone tries to label you.
You would say, wait! How idealistic is this? I don't think it is possible in a real life scenario, where everything is so cut throat and stress is always at a pinnacle high.
How can you convince people who think mindfulness/ taking care of your mental health is a sham
A friend of mine who works at a law firm told me stress helps her work better. She is more charged to complete her work for the day. She says, 'Isn't that better than being calm and relaxed where you wont be able to do any specific target oriented work?'
'Are you sure about your target oriented work?'
'Yes'
'How sure you are about not raising your temper on anyone? Or does your day go without cursing yourself?'
'Umm.. I cant say. Well, temper is a part and parcel of life!'
'Dont you think this temper itself is the start point for- Chronic diseases like high blood pressure and clogged arteries?'
'Well, maybe. Actually I just got detected with high levels of cholesterol', she sighed.
'So', I said, 'how about practicing being more mindful at work? For your own health and mental wellbeing'
'Actually, there is a point in what you just said', she smiled.
So, mindfulness is for your own mental wellbeing at workplace
There has been a plethora of research articles which shows some relationship between mindfulness and better workplace productivity. An empirical research by Dane & Brummel (2013), states a positive relationship between workplace mindfulness and job performance.
Moreover, a recent research also shows mindfulness is negatively related to emotional exhaustion and positively related to job satisfaction (Hülsheger et. al, 2013)
How do we start embracing mindfulness at work?
1. Be aware of your own emotions before you show them to others and then regret it
2. Take count of your breathing. Keep reminder to drink water, and do a 3-4 deep breathing exercise to relax your nerves.
3. Try to be less judgmental. Dont label a colleague due to one incident. There maybe another side to the situation
4. When you keep your reminders on the phone, also ask yourself are you thinking about the present, past or future?
5. Dont react immediately, especially to emails.
6. Take 2-3 deep breaths before every meeting- whether it is a light peaceful meeting or a very important and provoking one, someone needs to think clearly, it should be you.
Reference:
Hülsheger, U. R., Alberts, H. J. E. M., Feinholdt, A., & Lang, J. W. B. (2013). Benefits of mindfulness at work: The role of mindfulness in emotion regulation, emotional exhaustion, and job satisfaction. Journal of Applied Psychology, 98(2), 310-325.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0031313