In today’s busy workplace environment, there is a never-ending opportunity to be overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. Our to-do lists far outweigh our ability to get it all done. Many of us are so used to working at such a fast pace that when we finally get to the weekend our down time adds up to virtually zero. Not only is it difficult to wind down, the reality is that just because it’s the weekend doesn’t mean the demands of the job stop.
Being present is more difficult than ever. Our minds and bodies rarely stop. It gets harder and harder to stay focused. As a society, we are experiencing more stress-related illnesses and issues than ever. Not only do we suffer, but our employees suffer, our customers suffer and beyond that, our families suffer.
There is one simple practice that I have added to my daily routine for the past two years that has helped me get a handle on stress. It’s meditation. Before you stop reading and imagine me sitting cross-legged with my eyes closed, hands on my knees and burning incense, please understand that meditation is simply taking a few minutes a day to step back and get a different perspective.
More and more studies are proving the benefits of a regular meditation practice, even to the point that many organizations are including meditation as part of their leadership training and conflict management resolution, with some even designating spaces in their buildings specifically designed for meditation. The health benefits are enormous and are being prescribed by doctors to help relieve stress or cope with everything from addiction to a cancer diagnosis.
There are many apps available to help with this practice. My personal favorite is Headspace. It has completely transformed my understanding of meditation and the value it can have in every aspect of your life. Each session begins with closing your eyes and taking a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Try it for yourself – Breathe In, Breathe Out. This one simple step can instantly provide a sense of calm. I practice this many times a day, especially the more hectic days. Just that simple act can make all the difference.
We can’t change everything in our lives overnight, but we can take a small step to help ease the stress and stop, even for a moment. Or better yet, a few minutes a day.
Helpful resources:
- Watch this short Ted video, All It Takes Is 10 Mindful Minutes, by Headspace creator, Andy Puddicome: https://www.ted.com/talks/andy_puddicombe_all_it_takes_is_10_mindful_minutes
- Follow a 2-minute meditation session led by Andy on the Jimmy Fallon show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP_EY7pdTJY
- Log on to https://www.headspace.com and sign up for a few days for free and try it for yourself