If you google the benefits of mindfulness programs, chances are you read that they are associated with lower stress levels, increase focus and productivity, job satisfaction and loyalty.
Sounds great, right?
Well the truth is mindfulness is not a magic pill that fixes all of your organizational problems but can certainly help!
Mindfulness is a PRACTICE, a practice of awareness and of the present moment and with anything new and different it can take time to learn this valuable skill. By only using mindfulness or breathing techniques in a time of stress or overwhelm, you may be missing the root cause of the stress.
However, when you start to make mindfulness apart of your daily routine and practice when you are NOT stressed, then a new pattern begins to form. You will begin to notice that your baseline stress is lower and your recovery and reaction to a stressful event will be more controlled and manageable. You may be able to respond more calmly and in turn return to your baseline more easily and quickly. This of course, saves a lot of mental and physical energy that would have been used up by a stressor or reaction to a stressful situation but now can be used to regain focus and productivity.
Once your practice becomes routine, you will notice mindfulness showing up in your day to day interactions without much effort. It may show up as pausing before you speak, being focussed and present in your work or activity or re-centering more quickly after a challenging meeting or interaction.
As you can imagine, all of these skills have the potential to increase productivity as less time is spent overthinking, ruminating or feeling overwhelmed.
Putting a program in place that will be successful, you want to consider the culture of your workplace. The culture may need to shift in order to support a wellbeing or mindfulness program.
With a workplace wellness program, your organization’s leaders, managers and employees will be building a culture of support, engagement and growth. Having a little time and space for this work and creating a routine, can provide long lasting habit change and build a community of accountability.
Consider all the ways in which the organization can support and develop these skills. Building regular and routine practice opportunities supported by a credible program, will encourage buy-in and success!
Looking to bring a mindfulness based program to your organization? Click below to go to our programs page to browse our offerings or contact me to customize a program specific to your company needs!
Nicole Grace - nicole@cultivatewellenssri.com