There’s a reason it’s becoming more common to take a mindfulness training course with co-workers or meditate during office hours. We share four tips on how to be mindful at work.
- Be present during meetings
Free up two minutes before you go into a meeting. Pay attention to how you are sitting and breathing, or be as aware as you can while you walk to the meeting location. During the meeting, stop a couple of times to observe how you are sitting on your chair or how your body feels, and take your time before responding. - Listen carefully
Are you focusing on what you want to say while your co-worker is speaking? Is your mind wandering, and are you thinking about something you have to do? Make a mental note of this, and then redirect your thoughts to the other person. - Full focus on the phone
Don’t answer the phone immediately; let it ring two or three times. Move the focus to yourself, and answer the call with an open mind. If you feel rushed or irritated because someone is interrupting what you’re doing, you could always choose not to answer the phone and just call them back later. - Do one thing at a time
If you try to do two things at the same time, your attention will be divided and you’re more likely to make mistakes. Always try to do one thing at a time, and take a short break before starting the next task. Turn your phone and email notifications off as often as you can.
- You can read more about being mindful at work in our special 19 Days of mindfulness.
Text Catelijne Elzes Photography ©Lumina/Stocksy United
