Mar 13, 2023
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Last week we talked about mindfulness and how it helps to increase productivity in the workplace. This week, we’re focusing on meditation: another simple practice that produces great results, including increased happiness at work and the alleviation of stress.
Not just for yoga gurus, meditation has been adopted by the West and is becoming increasingly popular. Top Silicon Valley execs, who have little time for leisure, are even getting involved! For example, Twitter and Square CEO, Jack Dorsey, completed a 10-day, no talking meditation retreat a few months back. It is permeating tech culture and Wall Street, partly because of apps like Headspace, which is favored by service professionals for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Regular meditation boosts the immune system, reduces stress and anxiety, improves concentration, decreases blood pressure, improves sleep, and increases happiness…Need I say more?
Meditation can also physically change your brain; this side-effect of mindfulness has been shown to reduce burnout and improve sleep quality to benefit both employees and employers.
The best part? Studies have shown that consistent meditation practice also thickens our prefrontal cortex, which improves brain functions like concentration and awareness; functions that help busy people like you stay focused on doing great work.
While meditating puts the brain in a passive state, it also makes space for creative ideas.
Like most exercises and skills, meditation takes practice, but following this 5-step guide should put you on the path to success:
Pace yourself. You wouldn’t begin lifting the heaviest weights in the gym, and meditation is the same. Start small and build up. Creating a solid foundation will increase the chances that you will stick with it and make it your own.
Download an app. We like Headspace.
Start with a 5-minute meditation.
Get comfortable and stay alert. Focus on your posture and your breath.
Be compassionate with yourself. Meditation isn’t something you can perfect, it’s a simple but useful tool that’s great to add to your toolbox. Even the slightest act can have an effect on your mood, stress, and concentration.
Ten minutes of meditation has the possibility of transforming your workweek. With the newfound mindfulness and zen, why not keep the flow going with an easy-to-manage platform? Sign up for your free trial of Accelo and try it out!