Mindfulness
In May of 2019, the term “burnout” became a legitimate diagnosis when the World Health Organization declared the condition, which is related to untreated chronic workplace stress, an “occupational phenomenon.” Shedding light on this common malady, the WHO is ensuring that employers can no longer turn a blind eye on the issue.
There are three factors that typically cause burnout: having too much to do and not enough time to do it, challenging people, and worry about the future. In an era when technology, high-pressure work environments, and astronomical employer demands on employees are commonplace, it’s no surprise that, according to the American Medical Association, stress is the cause of more than 60% of all human illness and disease. A potential antidote for such stresses — and a method being adopted by an increasing number of companies — is the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness is, essentially, being fully present and aware of where you are and what you’re doing; this can help one become less reactive or overwhelmed by situations.
How radical does it sound to slow a workday down and focus for a few minutes on the health of a person instead of the job?
Mindful Tips:
1. Pause now. Take a slow deep inhale, hold briefly, and a very long extended exhale. Repeat twice more. Practice five times per day to reset.
2. Name the top two stressors in the day. What is felt physically when these stressors are ruminated on? Notice the physical sensations that arise, then make fists with the hands and release. Do the same thing with the feet. Tense and release several times. Inhale slowly; exhale twice as long. Notice the difference.
As it establishes itself in all sectors of business worldwide, the practice of mindfulness has secured its place in daily life for millions of people. Depending on who’s delivering it, mindfulness promises everything from better focus to higher productivity to faster thinking. And companies that are seeing the light are also seeing the benefits — employees are thriving and healthy, as is the bottom line.
Mindfulness isn’t about enhancing focus, but it is about being more present in each moment without distraction. When someone is more present and handles distraction well, the body and brain are less affected by everyday dramas, and enhanced focus is a natural byproduct. Mindfulness isn’t about being a better boss, but it is about having compassion for the shared struggles of the human experience. Compassion can remove the stress that loneliness brings, and it’s through this that a better boss is naturally born.
When the human nervous system is living in a healthy and balanced state where daily stress and distractions are managed well, ideas will emerge, focus will increase, quality will improve, and productivity will rise.
Lauren Wessinger is a yoga and meditation instructor and the owner of The Mindful Project. You can follow her on Instagram @laurenwessinger.
