Don’t believe the hype – practicing mindfulness in the office does have its limits. There is an unspoken office etiquette when it comes to practicing mindfulness routines during your breaks.

So whether its the best routines or how to avoid becoming seriously unpopular with your colleagues, these are the top tips for office etiquette when practicing mindfulness in the office.

Top Tips For Practicing Mindfulness In The Office

1. In need of a moment of tranquility? If you feel like lighting an aromatherapy candle for a moment of escape at work, there is no need to light a real candle.

Why Not

The range of ways that lighting a candle at work could end with the office in flames is endless. Not to mention incurring the wrath of colleagues for whom your lingering scent of choice is their worst nightmare, stimulating headaches or allergic reactions. Don’t take the risk, there is no point.

Best Practice

Instead put a few drops of your favourite essential oil on a small square of cloth and inhale. Alternatively, keep a scented sachet or fragrance stick on your desk. Or, why not, wear an essential oil diffuser necklace so you can always benefit from the aromatherapy practice.

Top scents for productivity are jasmine, rosemary, lavender and grapefruit.

2. Mindfull Meditation 

We all need the lunch break to escape the stresses of the morning, but if you need to relax with some rejuvenating meditation practice, taking up the lotus position in the middle of the office, is probably not the best way to go about things.

Why Not

Some of your colleagues may not be familiar with meditation and consider it an esoteric practice. They would feel uncomfortable and you are at risk of being misunderstood and misjudged.

Best Practice

Instead, try a discreet relaxing meditation routine at your desk. You could perform a simple body scan that begins with an awareness of the sensation in your toes. It continues with a systematic, growing awareness of each part of your body as you work your way up from your toes. Meanwhile, inhale and exhale deeply to bring a welcome refresh to your body.

On the other hand, you could count as you spend some time focusing on your breathing. Vary your breathing and notice how it changes, or accompany your inhales and exhales with counting. Hold your breath for different lengths of time or count as you inhale and exhale.

Another option is to locate the source of your feeling of stress from deep within your body. Identify its features, such as colour and size, then begin to change them into something more positive.

Want something else to bring you back to a place of calm? Why not spend some time with a peace-inducing mindfulness colouring book at lunchtime? Easily tucked away when not in use and completely unobtrusive, this is a great opportunity to do something creative and un-demanding, away from any screens.

If not, pop in your earphones and immerse yourself in some relaxing music whilst you take a break from the sensory overload of the office. Let the sound wash over you and forget the stresses of the morning. Rather than letting your mind race, try not to think about anything, simply listen to each sound and enjoy each rhythm as it pulses through your body.

This are just some ideas for mindfully practicing mindfulness in the office. it enhances your mood and productivity, without compromising your professionalism or breaking the rules for etiquette within the workplace.

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