Mindful workplace

Articles and discussions on mindful practices in the workplace.

Don’t Believe the Multi-tasking Hype: Train Your Brain to Focus Better

Feeling life is tough at work to just get something completed?

In today’s world we are constantly distracted with emails, texts and instant messages. It is hard to maintain your focus and attention sufficiently to get something done. This impacts your productivity. What should you do about it?

Train your brain to maintain focus and attention and you will be able to get back into your task after an interruption much more quickly. Meditation re-trains the brain to maintain attention. The basic action in meditation is to focus on your breadth and whenever your mind wanders off, to bring it back to your breadth. Just 10 minutes a day can make an appreciable difference. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Once you find your calmness: you will never want to be without it

When you finally address the need for ‘calmness’ in your life, you realise that making time for silence is essential to your well-being.

For example, having driven 1.5 hours to work on fast and busy roads I pause for just a couple of minutes in my car before I go into the office. My team is always surprised at how cheery and energised I am.

Even a brief time of just ‘being’ can re-charge and re-energise you in what is often a hectic working day.

The quality of your thinking returns and your productivity and creativity soar. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Happy team: 6% higher net profit margin

Engaged team members care about their work and their company.  Engaged team members are motivated and happy. They are prepared to go the extra mile without being asked.

Towers Perrin research says,

Companies with engaged employees have a 6% higher net profit margin.

Well lead and motivated teams create greater customer satisfaction while experiencing increased job satisfaction.

Motivated teams are productive and achieve great things. 

Following and realising your passion is key to your own well-being.  Success in following your passion often comes from focus. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Relaxation: learn to remain still

Stillness is very powerful.

Mindfulness is a commonly used term these days. However it is true that meditation or just being still brings calmness which enhances your concentration, lowers blood pressure and aids sleep quality. All are good for enhancing your performance at work and improves your well-being.

The simplest way to induce stillness is to take deep breaths.

3-4-5 breathing is a simple exercise devised by @Dr Rangan Chatterjee.

1. Breath in for 3 seconds.

2. Hold your breath for 4 seconds. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Relaxation: eat a meal at a table

For many of us today is the first day back at work. How did you get on with ensuring you got 15 minutes downtime? If you have not managed it, there is still time this evening – perhaps a lovely bath or listening to a favourite piece of music.

Do remember this time is for you and should not be done alongside a task like making dinner….

Here is another suggestion for relaxation   – eat a meal at a table with a friend, colleague or loved one.

Humans are social beings and have greater feelings of well-being when they feel more connected to others. As you are sitting it helps your body to move out of the ‘fight or flight’ mode and your digestion improves. You will be inclined to eat less which helps all of us who are watching our weight. read more

By Alison Wem, ago