Mindfulness is being aware in the present moment and being able to react without judgment. This can be difficult when we lead busy lives and are constantly distracted by our past and future. However, when you focus on the “here and now,” mindfulness provides a peaceful place to visit when you are feeling overwhelmed with life.
The more you utilize this skill, the more it becomes a part of your daily life, helping you to relieve stress, remain focused and reflect on your daily experiences. Through this process, you will develop an open mind and become fully aware of new career experiences.
Gelong Thubten has been a Tibetan Buddhist monk for more than 20 years and teaches monthly classes at Google’s headquarters in Dublin. Thubten lists three ways mindfulness can help you at work:
- Stress reduction. It changes our relationship with stress and transforms how we deal with it. Fast-paced, high energy work environments can flood your body with large amounts of stress hormones all day, which can make you feel drained.
- Mental clarity. Research shows “acute stress in the workplace negatively affects people’s ability to think critically, use reason and make practical day-to-day decisions.” People who practice mindfulness can achieve more than adrenaline-junkies.
- Compassion and empathy. They foster a deeper understanding of others. The key to having better relationships in the workplace is to let go of resentful feelings and develop greater self-acceptance.
There are many popular articles online and apps such as Headspace, which promise to help us take time to slow down and gain control of our busy lives. Click here to register for our upcoming Alumni Lunch ‘N’ Learn webinar featuring a review of the book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain on Thursday, Oct 27 from 12 pm – 1 pm. For more information about Alumni Career Services, visit our website.
Nikki Barnett
Assistant Director of Alumni Career Services
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