Mediation For The Masses

It’s Monday again and instead of feeling energized and getting ready to face the work week, why is it that most people hate going back to their respective workplaces? 

 

 

There are many probable reasons why we don’t like working again after a very relaxed state coming from an out-of-town weekend rendezvous. We don’t want to be stressed once again and bury our consciousness to mountains of workload. It is not the attitude of hating work, instead of the idea that a person is not motivated enough to accomplish and finish their tasks. Therefore, some organizations and companies have adopted a meditation program among their employees to improve their working habits and increase productivity in the workplace. 

Effects Of Stress At Work 

 

 

It is a common knowledge that when a person is exposed to extremely stressful situations, changes in the physiological functioning and psychological capacity takes place. Clarity of the mind, decision-making skills, and effective communication are affected. These elements are needed to be successful in a working environment. As such, too much stress in the workplace can also affect one’s productivity levels and professional accountability of the person. Studies show that when an employee loses interest in work because of overwhelming stress, there is an increased rate of absenteeism and turnover of employees. In a broader perspective, financial costs such as hiring and training of new employees are significantly affected.  

A New Strategy To Address Stress In The Workplace 

We hear a lot about stress these days. We hear about it from various health professionals and we experience it first-hand almost on a daily basis. It appears as though stress is becoming a national epidemic, according to a 2007 study published by the American Psychological Association (APA). The study states that mental stress can take its toll on our bodies and cause an array of symptoms including “fatigue, headache and upset stomach.” – Gary Breuer, LPC.

There is now a growing interest in the corporate setting the inclusion of mindfulness and meditation among employees. Instead of recommending the person to undergo meditation sessions, the company brings the practice into their working environment where every employee is encouraged to participate. This idea is brought about by psychological experts and behavioral gurus that a work-life balance allows a person to find their point of connectivity thus enabling them to perform specific tasks with increased potentials of success.  

The corporate bosses well accepted the idea as it will not take much of the employee’s time and effort to join a reflective session. After this, the employee is refreshed and is more engaging at work. Some offices have started with a weekly group meditation and mindful sessions. This is just a small group comprised of 4-5 employees and facilitated by a career coach. The courses can be built up with leadership coaching themes to help the employees with their work problems. On a much larger scale, annual or semi-annual workshops and team building events are also beneficial. Other big companies have tapped Yoga and Reiki instructors to help their employees. The good thing about these sessions is that it is all for free and part of the employee privilege. 

Lisa Firullo, LPC, says this about her practice of yoga: “A number of studies have shown that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being. Practicing yoga can lead to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. Improved flexibility is one of the first and most obvious benefits of yoga.”

What You Can Do 

 

 

If you happen to experience problems at work and one reason that comes to your mind is that you are under in a lot of stress, then it is best to visit your HR department and seek assistance on how they can help. Stress management can be a personal level responsibility; however, it is acceptable to ask for intervention from other sources. It is okay if the company you are working in is offering meditation sessions or even a mental health break for their employees. It shows that they are concerned about their employee’s psychological condition concerning how they perform at work. If, for example, your company is not offering any of these practices, ask for personal leave and be honest that you need some time to gather your senses. 

Elizabeth York, LPC, LMFT, recalls, “A client once taught me an invaluable technique for reducing stress. Taking a slow deep breath, she said, “Breathe in God.” Letting that breath out slowly, she said, “Breathe out fear.” It works for breathing out panic, anger, rejection, pain, and other constrictors that keep us from feeling God’s peace that surpasses understanding.”