Mindfulness at Work
Shreya Prasad
Accomplished Product Marketing Manager | Engineering Background | Expert in Enhancing Customer Experience, Proactive Communication, and Cross-Functional Collaboration
Mindfulness meditation was inspired by Buddhist practices, however, today it is available to everyone as a secular practice that emphasizes stress reduction.
According to the New York Times article "How to Be More Mindful at Work", mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment in an accepting, nonjudgmental way. Research has shown it is also a reliable method for reducing stress, including at work.
3 Minutes a Day
As a yoga teacher, I invite students to focus on their breath, let gravity support them, at their desk or yoga mat, at their home or office, on the earth- take up space. As a busy professional, I try to fit in mindfulness whenever I can.
Last week, I had the opportunity to be at a beach. It was the perfect place to practice mindfulness- looking at the ocean, hearing the waves, connecting to the earth- feet in the sand. Watch my 3 minute breath practice at the ocean: Mindfulness at the beach
While it is easy to take a few minutes for mindfulness while on vacation- away from the laptop, I invite you to take just 3 minutes (or more) for yourself every day.
You don't have to be on a yoga mat, you can walk outside, be at your desk, lay down, or just sit quietly.
Here's a simple breath practice that you can adopt: proactively or in times of stress:
领英推è
Wherever you are, seated or standing, close your eyes and focus on your breath. Breathe normally, not changing anything. Breathing in deeply and exhaling out fully. Tune out any noise or distractions and just focus on your breath. At your own pace, go for 6-10 rounds. Slowly open your eyes.
Conclusion
Make it your own. Be intentional.
- Do you prefer to set up a dedicated space? gentle music? dimmed lighting?
- Do you prefer wearing headphones? eye mask?
After you have set up what you need, consider ways to incorporate your 3 minutes into the day:
- Set a time and reminder on your phone
- Practice while waiting for water to boil for your morning coffee/tea
- Practice with family, friends, or coworkers.
Shreya Prasad is a Marketing Professional and Yoga Teacher based in Austin, TX.