Mindfully Reduce Work Stress
What if you could take a pill to reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, insomnia, chronic pain, diabetes, obesity, cholesterol and gastrointestinal conditions? Try mindfulness! Mindfulness helps you develop resilience to stress, depression, and diseases while you become more happy and peaceful. Mindfulness is the antidote to stress. Practicing mindfulness is the most sustainable, effective and enjoyable way to reduce stress.
Mindfulness is being practiced by untold numbers of world leaders, taught to soldiers in our military as well in our schools and universities. Many of the largest corporations in the world teach mindfulness to their employees such as Google, McKinsey, Hughes Aircraft, Yahoo, Procter and Gamble, Starbucks, and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health estimates that stress-related conditions cost corporations about $300 billion a year in increased absenteeism, tardiness, and the loss of talented workers. This amount does not include the additional billions of health care costs. Research shows 90 percent of employee hospital visits are stress related.
You can begin practicing mindfulness today
Attitude
Begin your day at work by focusing inward, take a few deep breaths and repeat a positive intention for your day.
Focus
Focus your attention on one thing at a time. If it is a phone call, a meeting or working on a report, keep your mind disciplined to stay in the present when your work.
Deep listening
Be present, aware and respectful in the presence of others. Look into their eyes, tune out any distractions and stop your racing, focus your roaming mind when you are listening to another person.
Gratitude
Practice being grateful for your job, the work you do and your work family.
Renewal rituals
Take regular breaks during your day to come home to your mind, body, and soul. Go for a short walk, listen to your favorite music, do a 5-minute meditation or talk to someone you love.
Say “Thank you” and “Goodbye”
Straighten your desk, take a few deep breaths and be grateful for a good days work. Leave your work at work.