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How Meditation Can Help at Work

Even if you love your job, at times you’re going to experience some level of stress. Stress can become detrimental in a work environment if it is not properly dealt with. For instance, an individual may become burnt out and their productivity level may decrease if they don’t properly deal with their stress. Moreover, an accumulation of stress could even cause particular health problems. Those who do find an adequate method for alleviating stress tend to have their own unique practices whether it’s a chocolate fix, a cigarette break, or simply walking around for a few minutes. After doing some research I strongly recommend trying meditation in order to relieve stress.

In modern times, Meditation is often misunderstood as it was originally associated with prayer. Many people don’t understand that meditation isn’t necessarily involved with prayer and is simply a means of obtaining focus and clearing stress-inducing clutter from the mind. In fact, 10-15 minutes of meditation each day has been proven to lower stress levels and boost productivity in the workplace.

Recently, several large corporations have hired meditation companies to lead group meditation sessions at the office. As a result of these sessions, employees have made fewer mistakes at work and have taken less sick days. Furthermore, it’s been noted that meditation may have the ability to strengthen your immune system and lower your blood pressure. In addition, meditation is believed to improve your emotional and mental health. Some corporations have even dedicated entire rooms to group meditation.

In order for meditation to be effective at work, an employee must practice it habitually. One should devote ten minutes of each day to meditation. An employee should treat it as an important meeting and schedule it in his or her calendar. This may seem a bit inconvenient, but one shouldn’t have much trouble finding ten free minutes in their day.

When it comes time to meditate you should set an alarm for ten minutes so you know when you are finished. Find a fairly quiet spot to either sit down on the floor or in a chair. You can even try sitting cross legged if it’s enjoyable. Make sure your back is straight and your arms are resting on your legs. Keep your head down and tuck your chin in slightly so that your neck is comfortably stretched. Rest your eyes but don’t close them all the way. Your eyes should stay fixed on a space on the floor a couple feet in front of you. Try to clear your mind of all thoughts and allow a feeling of tranquility to grasp you. This is typically fairly difficult the first few times you try to meditate but you should try your best to not focus on anything in particular. Just like anything else, with practice you will improve. Also, focusing on your breathing will help with clearing your mind. Try to take deep breaths from your diaphragm. Once your mind is clear, begin to focus on one powerful thought or idea. Next, try to visualize yourself putting this idea into action. Seriously contemplate how this idea is a part of your life and how you can continue to practice it. This visualization should serve as a transition from the end of your meditation exercise to the rest of your day.

Hopefully practicing meditation will help you at work. Namaste.

SOURCES: Mayo Clinic, Project Meditation, Suite101, and How to Meditate
IMAGE: Courtesy of Dynastrike

Jeremy Tolan

Jeremy Tolan is a Marketing Assistant at SparkHire.com. He is currently studying Telecommunications at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. In his free time, Jeremy enjoys exercising and watching movies. Connect with Jeremy and Spark Hire on Facebook and Twitter.

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