Let’s admit, something’s always keeping you from completing what you always wanted to do. You wanted to write this book you think the world will love but can’t begin writing. Even if you did begin, you’re stuck on the fifth page and now can’t find time to add another sentence. Or you wanted to begin this side hustle that would grant you financial freedom in six months. You know the drill because your job of five years has tought you how to do it. The only thing you need to do is to allocate one hour every day to build it. Yet, you can’t somehow manage an hour to achieve something you always wanted. Or you’re just someone looking to improve productivity at work for the promotion you needed, but you’re too distracted or tired to give your best. Now you complain why your life is so difficult?
It’s because you’ve lost the sight of what’s important. The solution is to priortize what’s important and remove unproductive tasks from your routine. Well, you may think there’s a price of being too productive. You should multitask, work longer hours, and sacrifice health and well-being for the sake of productivity.
But what if I told you that the key to productivity lies in taking a step back and being more mindful?
Yes, that’s right, mindfulness is the secret to improving productivity. By practicing mindfulness, you can reduce stress, increase focus and creativity, and improve your overall well-being. And the best part? You don’t have to be a meditation guru to do it. In this article, I’ll show you how to bring mindfulness into your life and reap the benefits.
What is mindfulness
First, let’s define what mindfulness is. At its core, mindfulness is simply the act of being present and aware of the moment. It’s about paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. When we’re mindful, we’re not distracted by the past or the future, but fully engaged in the present.
Now, you might be thinking, “That’s all well and good, but how does being mindful help me be more productive?” Let me give you a few examples:
- Reduce stress: When we’re stressed, our productivity suffers. We become less focused, less creative, and less motivated. Mindfulness can help reduce stress by helping us stay calm and centered in the face of challenges. By taking a few deep breaths and focusing on the present moment, we can avoid getting caught up in anxious thoughts and stay focused on the task at hand.
- Increase focus: There are so many things that distract us from what we should be doing. That’s why we prioratize things that make us happy over things that are important. Mindfulness can help improve focus by training our brains to stay in the present moment. By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to tune out distractions and stay focused on important tasks
- Boost creativity: When we’re stuck in a rut, it’s hard to come up with new ideas. Mindfulness can help boost creativity by opening up our minds to new possibilities. By letting go of preconceived notions and being open to new experiences, we can tap into our creative potential and come up with fresh ideas.
How to get started
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “That all sounds great, but how do I actually practice mindfulness in?” Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Take mini mindfulness breaks: Set aside a few minutes each day to take a mindfulness break. Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Take a few deep breaths, and simply observe the sensations in your body. When your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to your breath.
- Practice mindful communication: When you’re in a meeting or having a conversation with a colleague, be fully present and engaged. Listen actively and pay attention to the person’s body language and tone of voice. By being mindful in your interactions, you’ll build stronger relationships and avoid misunderstandings.
- Use mindfulness apps: There are plenty of apps that can help you practice mindfulness in the workplace. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises that you can do during your lunch break or in between meetings.
- Take a mindful walk: If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a few minutes to go for a mindful walk. Focus on your surroundings and the sensations in your body as you walk. Take deep breaths and enjoy the simple act of moving your body. Walking is a great way to clear your head and reset your focus, and adding mindfulness to the experience can help you stay present and centered.
- Practice gratitude: One way to cultivate mindfulness is to practice gratitude. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. This can be as simple as a supportive colleague, a comfortable chair, or a delicious cup of coffee. By focusing on the good things in your life, you’ll cultivate a positive mindset and reduce stress.
- Now, I know that including the routine of practicing mindfulness might seem a bit unconventional, especially if you’re at work. You might worry that your colleagues will think you’re slacking off, or that you’ll be seen as a flaky new-age type. But the truth is, mindfulness is becoming more and more mainstream, and many companies are embracing it as a way to improve employee well-being and productivity.
In fact, some companies have even gone as far as to offer mindfulness training and meditation rooms for their employees. And why not? By helping employees reduce stress, increase focus and creativity, and improve their overall well-being, companies can reap the benefits of a more productive and engaged workforce.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Mindfulness is a simple but powerful tool to improve productivity. By taking a few minutes each day to be present and aware in the moment, you can reduce stress, increase focus and creativity, and improve your overall well-being. And who knows? you’ll be able to understand things better and find the perfect goal to suit your life. It doesn’t always have to be a successful business launch or a famous project. You can be an accountant your whole life and be happy with it.
Michael Ghimire 