Mindfulness in the Workplace

What is Mindfulness

Mindfulness is defined as simply being purposeful and present in your head and workspace. It can be described as an inward and outward awareness of yourself, others and your surroundings. Mindfulness is about being intentional. When you practice mindfulness at home or in the workplace, you’ll be a better version of you.

People who try to multi-task are less effective when they focus on two or more tasks than they would be if they focused on one thing until it was done. This is where “mindfulness” comes in. People who have been trained in “mindfulness” say that they become more aware of how their own mind works. They see how their own filters impact perceptions and therefore the decisions they make.

When they learn to keep these filters in check, they are more willing to listen and learn from others. They become more aware of their own preconceived notions and become receptive to a greater set of possibilities that they had not considered before. Mindful people have learned to focus on one task at a time. In that sense, mindfulness goes way beyond “thinking outside the box” to not even having a box to begin with. Mindful people seek the best solution to whatever problem they might have.

Mindfulness with onpoint 365

onpoint 365 has recently introduced a mindfulness program for our recruitment team and are experimenting with the best way to achieve mindfulness as a team. As a recruitment agency the onpoint 365 recruitment team has to deal with constant deadlines and which may lead to stressful situations, so practising to be mindful has really helped our team by using the different strategies to stay focused and deal with priorities.

As it is Mental Health Awareness Week, why not think about introducing mindfulness into your workplace! We are working with Megan from Simply Mindful – check out the website or pop along to some free classes on the weekend! More details can be found at Simply Mindful Art + Mindfulness – Free Face-to-Face Events at the National Gallery • Simply Mindful – let’s hope the weather is kind, the Sculture Garden at the National Gallery is a great venue to practice mindfulness.

What you can do

Applying the seven essential attitudes of mindfulness can help you cultivate awareness of the present moment and may help calm your anxious mind. The seven factors that constitute the major pillars of mindfulness practice are:

1. Non-judging
As you start your mindfulness practice, you may begin to pay close attention to your thoughts. Try not to get caught up in ideas, opinions, likes, and dislikes. As you notice your mind wander, try not to judge yourself for not paying attention, acknowledge your mind has wandered, and return your attention to your breath.

2. Patience
Understand and accept that things will emerge in their own time. Be patient with yourself and be open to each moment. Give yourself permission to take the time you need for mindfulness and see what unfolds in the present time instead of rushing to get somewhere else or better.

3. Beginners mind
Try to look at things with a clear and uncluttered mind. Too often, we let our past, beliefs and expectations keep us from seeing things in the present moment. Consider opening yourself up to new possibilities, as if you’re seeing things for the first time or through the eyes of a child.

4. Trust
An integral part of mediation training is trusting yourself and your feelings. While you may make mistakes along the way, look inward for guidance, and trust your intuition. Be receptive to what you learn from others, but it’s also a good idea to learn to listen and trust yourself.

5. Non-striving
It’s likely that most of what you do in life, you do with a purpose or goal. But, mindfulness involves “non-doing” and focusing on seeing and accepting things as they are in the present moment. Embrace the moment you are in, hold onto your awareness, and try not to react or transition into goal-setting mode.

6. Acceptance
Acceptance involves allowing things to be as they are without trying to change them. When you accept your current situation without wishing it was different or trying to change it, you’re able to be more aware of what you are experiencing at that moment.

7. Letting go
You may notice that as you start to pay attention to your inner experiences, you may discover your mind may want to hold onto specific thoughts or experiences. Try and let your thoughts or experiences be what they are. Try not to get caught up in judging each experience. Just let it be and let it go.

Meditation & Mindfulness App Smiling Mind is a free mindfulness app developed by psychologists and educators for young people. It’s focused on daily meditation and mindfulness exercises and can help you stay calm and healthy: https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app