Mindful Decisions
What exactly is mindfulness? It seems to be a new ‘buzz word’. In brief, it has been defined by Monash University as “a series of attention training practices and cognitive strategies that help you unhook from unproductive thought patterns and behaviours”. In layman’s terms it means using techniques to clear and calm the mind and the art of meditation seems to be a very effective way to achieve this.
So, what is in it for you? Well from my experience there are plenty of benefits. I always feel calm and alert once I have done my 20 minutes of meditation. If I am in the office I feel clear headed afterwards and if I am at home and plan to do some exercise, I am more energised and able to push my physical workout to a higher level of intensity.
But don’t just take my word for it. Studies have found that mindfulness improves productivity, helps people think outside the square to develop new ideas and reduce stress. Specifically, in a business context, a clear and calm mind facilitates better decision making.
Okay but how do you learn to become mindful? Well there are probably many ways to learn. There are certainly classes you can attend or perhaps you may even be able to find something online. The key however is to be disciplined. It’s a skill to learn and it won’t happen quickly. Practice makes perfect but it will be worth the effort once you have got it and if you do it regularly.
Reference: “Mindfulness: A simple way to lead better”, Fiona Crawford, Acuity, November 2016, Vol 3, Issue 10
What exactly is mindfulness? It seems to be a new ‘buzz word’. In brief, it has been defined by Monash University as “a series of attention training practices and cognitive strategies that help you unhook from unproductive thought patterns and behaviours”. In layman’s terms it means using techniques to clear and calm the mind and the art of meditation seems to be a very effective way to achieve this.
So, what is in it for you? Well from my experience there are plenty of benefits. I always feel calm and alert once I have done my 20 minutes of meditation. If I am in the office I feel clear headed afterwards and if I am at home and plan to do some exercise, I am more energised and able to push my physical workout to a higher level of intensity.
But don’t just take my word for it. Studies have found that mindfulness improves productivity, helps people think outside the square to develop new ideas and reduce stress. Specifically, in a business context, a clear and calm mind facilitates better decision making.
Okay but how do you learn to become mindful? Well there are probably many ways to learn. There are certainly classes you can attend or perhaps you may even be able to find something online. The key however is to be disciplined. It’s a skill to learn and it won’t happen quickly. Practice makes perfect but it will be worth the effort once you have got it and if you do it regularly.
Reference: “Mindfulness: A simple way to lead better”, Fiona Crawford, Acuity, November 2016, Vol 3, Issue 10