How to introduce mindfulness into your daily routine
Working from home can be overwhelming and even make you feel anxious at times. But mindfulness can help you take a step back and consider things in a calmer, more objective way. Once you're in a routine with regular mindfulness practices, you might notice yourself making more informed and wiser decisions. Want to give it a try? Read our tips below.
Benefits of mindfulness
There's so many benefits to mindfulness, it can help you sleep better and reduce stress, but it can also improve concentration, memory and immune system functionality – all contributing to a deeper sense of physical and mental wellbeing.
How to work mindfully at home
Create a separate office space that’s dedicated to work. Keep it neat, tidy and clutter-free, clearing it away at the end of each day.
It’s important to structure your day when working from home. Start your mornings by planning what time you’ll start and finish work, meal times, exercise or outdoor time and relaxation time – but make sure to stick to it.
You can also make mindfulness part of your daily routine. Try the following:
Breath observation
This is a simple but effective practice that involves sitting and observing the breath. When thoughts, emotions or sensations arise (which is completely natural), take your focus back to the breath.
As you sit for longer periods of time, you’ll find the pace of arising thoughts slow down. Note that it's completely normal for this practice to feel extra challenging at certain times – which is a good indicator of our stress levels, amongst other things.
Thought observation
This practice allows you to notice and observe your thoughts. As you let thoughts enter the mind, let them go with an exhale, keeping the steady anchor of the breath. Take your time to notice the quality of our thoughts – without judgement or attachment.
Mindful eating
As you eat, focus on each sensation that arises – the flavour of the food, the texture, the coolness or warmth of it. This practice helps you to be completely present and experience the moment, rather than being caught up in thoughts about the past and future.
You can do this in every day moments – such as being mindful of your footsteps as you take your daily walk, or even of drinking a cup of tea.
Minimise the use of technology
Constant connection with technology increases levels of anxiety. If you struggle with this, set boundaries on how much TV you’ll watch and how much time you’d like to spend on social media each day.
Try to replace that time with something that you enjoy, such as gardening, art, listening to music, reading or meditating.
Gift your team time-out
With our corporate gifting options, your team can recharge on their terms. They get to choose from 30+ at-home treatments, while you get to be the best boss ever.