Rasmus Hougaard & Jacqueline Carter of Potential Project posted the following article on “Being Mindful 10 minutes a day.
The article states that “Research has found that mindfulness training alters our brains and how we engage with ourselves, others, and our work….Through repeated mindfulness practice, brain activity is redirected from ancient, reactionary parts of the brain, including the limbic system, to the newest, rational part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex.”
As I have taught many times, not only when teaching Mindful Leadership, Control Theory & Restitution, as well as when teaching Mindfulness to students, we do have a choice of whether to be reactionary, in our fight or flight downstairs brain or whether we will respond to a situation in our prefrontal lobe, our upstairs brain. Hougaard and Carter state that “one second can be the difference between achieving the desired results or not.” They shared five easily implemented tips to help you become more mindful:
1. Practice 10 minutes of mindfulness training each day.
Although mornings are generally the best time for mindfulness, you can practice mindfulness at any time of the day.
2. Avoid reading email first thing in the morning.
Research shows that most minds are generally most focused, creative, and expansive in the morning. Try waiting at least 30 minutes before reading emails and use your mind when it’s at its highest potential.
3. Turn off all notifications.
I have noticed many people have notification sounds from their devices and even get distracted while in meetings or on projects. Try turning off notifications for one week and you will likely be less reactive and more productive.
4. Stop multitasking.
Try to focus on one single task, and when your mind starts drifting to another task, mentally shut down those thoughts and stay focused on the task at hand.
5. Put it on your calendar.
Schedule a check in with yourself on how you are doing on the previous 4 tips. Consider engaging someone on your team to practice these tips along with you and support and remind each other and share successes and challenges.
