Mindfulness in the Workplace

Lack of motivation, fulfillment and belief in your ability to do your job. 

These are the telltale signs that you may be experiencing work burnout. It’s unsurprising given the fast-paced environment and how many are experiencing isolation, uncertainty, fear, stress and anxiety levels.

So many people, like you, are left exhausted and stressed by the day-to-day hustle. And this stress can affect your ability to perform. When you’re under stress, your adrenal glands produce cortisol. While cortisol has a role in your health, excess cortisol can wreak havoc on every system of your body, including the brain.

A recent study demonstrated that chronically high levels of cortisol can actually interfere with cognitive function. That means that stressed-out individuals are not the best versions of themselves.

What can you do to fight burnout? 

With around 75% of workers having experienced burnout at some point, it is more important now than ever to take  a break from the fast-paced, often hectic, and disconnected lifestyle and be more mindful. 

To be mindful is to be fully present, aware of where you are and what you’re doing without being overwhelmed by what’s going on around you. It is a way of reprogramming the mind to think in a healthier, less stressful way; and is directly linked to motivation at work. 

Here are some practices you can try: 

Not multitasking

Resist the urge to do multiple things. The thing is, nobody can really multitask. In reality, your brain is switching from one thing to another, often forgetting things in the process. Stick to one task at a time, instead. 

Taking deep breaths 

This is the easiest thing you can do to feel less overwhelmed. Whenever you’re buried in work or you’re feeling stressed, take deep breaths before tackling the load. This will help your brain focus better and will give you the reset that you need. 

Thinking about what you love about your work

No matter how much you love your job, the daily stress and grind can easily make you forget that you enjoy what you do. So whenever you feel unmotivated and overwhelmed, remember what you love about your job. Maybe you love the impact that you create or the people you work with. The more you remember what’s amazing about your work, the more grateful you’ll feel and the less burnt out you’ll become.

Reconnecting with your “why”

Never lose sight of your purpose. Whether it’s your family, your personal goals, or changing the world, it will keep you going. If you know your “why”, the reason why you do what you do in the first place, it’s easy to stay mindful in the present. It’s easy to be motivated. 

If you’re still not convinced why you need to practice mindfulness at work, it helps with focus resilience and self-awareness. It can also reduce emotional exhaustion and help you develop new ideas. Overall, it will help with your general well-being and performance at work. 

Are you experiencing work burnout? What are you currently doing about it? 

References: 

https://www.gqrgm.com/7-benefits-of-mindfulness-in-the-workplace/ 

https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/be-more-mindful-at-work 

https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/