Breathing:
Mindfulness:
While some people associate mindfulness solely with meditation, it can be integrated into our daily activities. Mindfulness, at its core, entails maintaining our full attention on the task at hand without becoming distracted or entangled in emotions and narratives surrounding the activity. We can apply this principle to our work by periodically checking in on our focus and redirecting our attention to the present moment whenever distractions arise. Enhanced mindfulness has been linked to reduced feelings of stress and negative emotions.
Movement:
Introducing movement into our workday can significantly alleviate stress. If your job entails physical activity, pay close attention to your posture, particularly when engaged in repetitive movements. For those with sedentary occupations, take short breaks to engage in movement, such as stretching at your desk, walking down the hall, or standing during meetings. It’s often said that the best posture is the next one, so don’t hesitate to change positions frequently during work sessions. While it’s beneficial to take dedicated exercise breaks, even brief moments of movement can help us feel more grounded, invigorated, and prepared to tackle the next task. (You can try this chair exercise for a quick movement break: Yoga for Arthritis, Chair Yoga for Improved Mobility)
