5 situations in which the theory of mindfulness helps in the workplace
The idea of mindfulness is extremely valuable, but why is it said that its application is vital, especially in an office environment? Here are some situations in which it would work in a flash:
- When we struggle with the feeling that we are not strong enough in what we do.
- When we worry too much about what others think of us.
- When under the influence of various negative influences we fail to give the best of ourselves.
- When we are worried about things that have already happened, such as, say, a failed presentation.
- When our heart is worried, what will happen in the future, for example, will the work redundancies affect us?
It is then that mindfulness, described by psychologists as an act of intense awareness of what we are feeling at the moment, can help – without interpretation and without judgment. However, it cannot be reached immediately, it is not possible only with desire. Training is needed to develop attention skills. Google trains its employees on these skills, Forbes has been dedicating articles to them for several years, and many sites are spreading the idea of intense awareness at any given time as an anti-stress tool. You can absorb them by following the rule listen and absorb like a sponge.
It is as follows: during a conversation with colleagues or clients, do not formulate your answer while they are talking, but focus entirely on what they are saying. Do not take notes, do not be distracted by anything else, calm your mind and body and just listen carefully. When you concentrate on 100%, you will perceive what is said as clearly as possible and will formulate the most accurate answers possible.
This can be a serious challenge, as well as waiting for your turn to join the conversation without interrupting your interlocutor, but you can practice “intentional” listening – here’s how it works: sit somewhere in the office, abstract from everything and adjust your consciousness to the sounds that float around you. Don’t try to guess whose voice you’re hearing, where the foot tapping is coming from, which colleague is eating chips, and who’s typing on the keyboard – just listen as if you’ve never heard those sounds. This brief stoppage of everything else and listening to the surrounding noises calms and refreshes the mind.
