WASHINGTON — What if you could take a pill to reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, insomnia, chronic pain, diabetes, obesity, cholesterol and gastrointestinal conditions?
Try mindfulness! Mindfulness helps you develop resilience to stress, depression and diseases while you become more happy and peaceful.
Mindfulness is the antidote to stress — the most sustainable, effective and enjoyable practice to reduce stress.
What is mindfulness? It’s becoming aware, detaching and observing your stress and emotions and the powerful thoughts and emotions that accompany them.
Mindfulness is being practiced by untold numbers of world leaders, taught to soldiers in our military as well in our schools and universities. Many of the largest corporations in the world, such as Google, McKinsey, Hughes Aircraft, Yahoo, Procter and Gamble, Starbucks and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, teach mindfulness to their employees.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health estimates that stress-related conditions cost corporations about $300 billion a year in increased absenteeism, tardiness and the loss of talented workers. And that does not include additional billions in health care costs. Research shows 90 percent of employee hospital visits are stress-related.
But you can begin practicing mindfulness today.
- Attitude. Begin you day at work by focusing inward, take a few deep breathes and repeat a positive intention for your day.
- Focus. Focus your attention on one thing at a time. If it is a phone call, a meeting or working on a report, keep your mind disciplined to stay in the present when your work.
- Deep listening. Be present, aware and respectful in the presence of others. Look into their eyes, tune out any distractions and stop your racing. Focus your roaming mind when you are listening to another person.
- Gratitude. Practice being grateful for your job, the work you do and your work family.
- Renewal rituals. Take regular breaks during your day to come home to your mind, body and soul. Go for a short walk, listen to your favorite music, do a five-minute meditation or talk to someone you love.
- Say ‘thank you’ and ‘goodbye.’ Straighten your desk, take a few deep breaths and be grateful for a good day’s work. Leave your work at work.
