Staying Mindful in the At-Home Workplace
Mindfulness in the workplace is important – but what about when our workplace is at home?
Many of us have transitioned to working from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but with kids, pets, and other work-from-homers, it can be difficult to stay relaxed and present. Distractions are more prevalent, and tensions can run high while we’re all confined to our homes. However, mastering mindfulness (both at home and at work) can help us stay productive, efficient, and – most importantly – happy! Check out our tips below to learn how to master mindfulness, and the best part? These tricks can be easily implemented at work, even when the coronavirus is a thing of the past.
Tip #1: Exercise, exercise, exercise
…Did we mention exercise? When we say “exercise,” we simply mean get up and get moving, whether this means going for a walk, riding a bike, doing a few sit-ups, or stretching. Whatever your form of exercise may look like, staying active can keep your mind sharp, help you stay focused, and boost your endorphin levels.
Tip #2: Avoid the myth of multitasking
Multitasking is a “skill” that many of us try to master, but it can be a dangerous pitfall for productivity. Multitasking is not conducive to productive work and allows for distractions, especially from those pesky email inboxes. By focusing on a single task at a time, you’ll be able to give that task your full attention and generate more quality results. This isn’t to say that you can’t allow yourself to be interrupted when it’s a high priority, but write down where you left off on a task, give the new task your full attention, and return to the previous task when you finish. The important part to note here is that this tactic should only be done infrequently and only when it is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, stick to single-tasking to see more efficiency, productivity, and presence as you work through your tasks.
Tip #3: Do something to relax
The COVID-19 outbreak led to several unpredictable weeks and plenty of chaotic moments, which many of us are still experiencing. While it may feel like living in stress is the only way to live right now, this is the perfect time to focus on relaxation. This doesn’t mean you need to spend all day at the spa or go get a massage (social distancing, anyone?), but it is perfectly acceptable to take short breaks to focus on breathing, meditation, yoga, or even playing a card game with your family. Allowing yourself this time will ensure that you are more present when you return to your desk and focus on completing the next task.
Tip #4: Make active listening your friend
Many of our close friendships with coworkers have transitioned into virtual relationships, meaning that it can be much harder to show that you’re listening and engaged in conversations with your colleagues. It can be easy to get distracted by emails coming in, text messages, and kids or pets. So set down your phone, and listen carefully to what your coworkers are saying before you respond. (This trick also works well with family members!)
Tip #5: Practice mindfulness throughout the day
Mindfulness is helpful at work, but only when you commit to it throughout your entire day. In other words, don’t just practice mindfulness when you’re completing tasks; practice mindfulness during your breaks and meals too. Practice breathing exercises during your downtimes (even if they’re short), and focus on conscious eating during lunch. This will help you make better eating choices, ensure that you are taking a proper break from work, and set you up for success for the afternoon’s tasks.
Want to learn more about mindfulness in the workplace? Check out our Mindfulness Tip Sheet!