In a time where stress and anxiety seem to be constant companions of the day, mindfulness emerges as a powerful practice to improve the quality of life in both the personal and professional spheres. With roots in ancient meditative traditions, mindfulness has gained ground in the Western world as a beneficial technique in various contexts.
Man working in the office.
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Mindfulness or full attention is a meditation practice that involves concentrating fully on the present moment, observing without judgment the physical sensations, thoughts and emotions that flow through the mind and body.
In accordance with Albert Ariasgeneral health psychologist, mindfulness developed by John Kabat-Zinn maintains the same benefits as Eastern meditative practice, but trying to approach it from a more scientific perspective, more structured and more adjusted to our cultural environment.
This technique helps people become more consciously attuned to their experiences, which can result in a reduction in stress and an increase in emotional resilience.
According to the study Personal experience on means to address mental health issues in Spain as of 2022 Changing routines and habits, such as sleeping more, exercising or eating healthier, were the means chosen to address mental health problems by almost a third of Spanish respondents. Meanwhile, about 17% reported engaging in personal development activities, including reading self-help books or relaxation or mindfulness activities.
Benefits in daily life
Regular mindfulness practice has been associated with a variety of positive benefits, such as reducing stress and improving sleep quality. In addition, it has been observed that it can increase concentration and strengthen personal relationships by fostering greater empathy and understanding.
It is established as a fundamental practice for general well-being, promoting greater emotional awareness in daily life, work and education. Its adoption continues to expand, offering an effective antidote to the pressures of modern life.
Albert Arias explains that many studies relate the practice of mindfulness to a better mood, lower levels of anxiety, and it has been observed that it can help reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension after adequate training.
“When the practice develops over time, we can be attentive to our own sensations, especially to what makes us react almost automatically and be able to assess whether that reaction is going to be beneficial or not for us.”
Main challenge for a life with mindfulness
The most important challenge of this practice, according to Albert Arias, is consistency. The psychologist explains that, just as we do not expect to obtain radical benefits after a day or two of cardiovascular exercise in terms of our respiratory capacity, we cannot expect the same from the practice of mindfulness. “Like any type of meditation, it requires perseverance and commitment, something that with the current pace of life is sometimes very difficult to give or allow,” he comments.
Impact in the workplace
At work, mindfulness can be especially beneficial. Mindfulness programs have shown promising results in improving the work environment and increasing productivity. Renowned companies have integrated mindfulness into their employee wellness programs, recognizing its value in improving decision making and creativity.
Integrating the practice of mindfulness into your work routine can be an effective strategy to manage stress, improve concentration, and foster a healthier and more productive work environment.
