10 Ways To Be Mindful At Work

Being mindful at work has its benefits. It reduces stress, improves health and increases creativity. Mindfulness is one of the best, and easiest, ways to help you be happier and healthier starting right now.

Don’t be “in the office” before going to the office.

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Being mindful means being in the moment. If you’re thinking about work while you’re still at home, you're not being mindful. Instead, focus on what you’re doing right now, in this very moment.

Focus on your breathing.

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You don’t need to meditate to focus on your breathing (but you certainly can!). You can do this anywhere, anytime. Pay attention as you breathe in and breathe out. Be purposeful. Breathe deeply. Be in the moment.

Do one task at a time.

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Studies have shown that multitasking is actually ineffective. You will most likely make more mistakes and become more stressed. Instead, do one task at a time, and do each one well.

Take a break and get out of the office.

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Leaving work for 5-10 minutes to clear your head and recharge your mind is not only healthy, it helps you stay in the moment. Go for a walk. Get some fresh air. Feel the sun and wind on your skin.

Identify your stressors.

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Make a quick hit list of what stresses you the most at work, and how you can handle each one better. Get in touch with your emotions.

Go from “to do” to “done.”

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We’re all pulled in a thousand directions at work (and at home!). It’s easy for the day to slip away before all our work actually gets done. A daily “to do” list can help stay on track.

Return to the present.

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Whenever your mind begins to wander, focus on your breathing to bring yourself back to the present.

Eat anywhere but at your desk.

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Sometimes it’s unavoidable to eat at your desk, but eating there every day can become a hard habit to break. Take time every week to eat with purpose. Put down your fork between bites. Enjoy your meal.

Actively listen.

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It’s easy to not fully listen to a colleague or client during a meeting or conference call. We multitask. Our minds wander. But when we allow this to happen, we miss important information. To actively listen, quiet your mind. Hear what’s being said.

Leave your work at the office.

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When you go home for the day, leave your work at the office. Avoid a replay of the day’s events, or looking ahead at what tomorrow will bring — the past is gone; the future has not happened yet. All you have is the present, so be there.