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Break Those Bad Habits With Mindfulness

March 2, 2016 by Iman

Break Those Bad Habits With Mindfulness

Source: Use Mindfulness to Create Better Habits (Guided Meditation Included)

A habit is something you do continuously, that in some cases almost becomes involuntary. Habits are things that many of us train our brains to make us better, wake up early, work out and eat well. But in some instances the things that we commit to memory and become habits turn out to be negative, and they control us from the subconscious in a conscious way. Can you just not seem to kick your foul mouth in the office, or do always have something negative to say about a colleague? One way to deal with these unwanted habits is by taking better control of your mind with mindfulness.

Mindfulness comes into play because it helps you filter your thoughts. You become more intentional with the things that you commit to memory, which then turn into your habits. Mindfulness puts you in control and provides you with the tools to act like you want to. A great way to get started with your practice is just to sit alone in a quiet place for 5-10 minutes, close your eyes and pay attention to your breath. You may have thoughts running through your head, but don’t mind them, let them come and go and just relax. Think of each thought as in a ‘thought bubble’ and let it drift from your mind. The more you practice, the more you can be aware of where your focus is going You then have a choice to pay attention to the positive or negative.

So don’t waste anytime, Start breaking those bad habits today. Use the guided meditation below to get started.

This article covers the mindfulness pillar of the Living Happier @Work program.

Let’s Get Physical With Deskercising

February 26, 2016 by Iman

Let’s Get Physical With Deskercising

Source: Office Workout: 3 Ways to Deskercise

What is deskercising, you ask? Well, it’s a clever way to refer to exercising at, and using things around your desk. Many people claim they never have enough time to work out at all, especially during the work day. But with these exercises, anyone can spare some time to get that blood pumping.

Beginner

Chair Dips:

Stand in front of a chair.
Sit down on the edge of the seat and place your hands behind your hips.
Your hands should be on the edge of the seat and shoulder width apart.
Lift your buns off of the seat and walk your feet forward.
Slowly lower your body downward.
Extend your arms, raising your body upward and supporting your weight with your arms.

Try 2 sets of 6 to 8 reps.

Intermediate

Try adding ankle weights under your clothing; with this, you will essentially be exercising all day. And if you want to take it to the next level replace your office chair with a stability ball; this will improve your posture and strengthen your core.

Advanced

If you whiz through both of those workouts, contact your HR department to see if they can provide your with a desk exercising option like the Office Gym(hyperlink). Think of this like Bowflex for your desk.

If you don’t do anything else, make sure you get up once every hour and take a five-minute walk.

Can you think of any other ways to get some movement in during the day?

This article covers the exercise pillar of the Living Happier @Work program.

Tap Into Your Unknown Superpower, Mindfulness!

February 24, 2016 by Iman

Tap Into Your Unknown Superpower, Mindfulness!

One of the main principals of the Living Happier @Work program is mindfulness; it’s talked about quite a bit throughout this blog. Let’s dig a bit deeper so everyone understands what it’s really about.

According to Berkley University, mindfulness means “maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment.” Simply put, the basis of mindfulness is being present, and being able to control your thoughts, feelings, and emotions in an appropriate way. It sounds like something that can improve work environments, for sure.

A great way to explain the principal is with the story of the two wolves, one negative and one positive. Which one do you feed? Find out in the video below.

How Mindfulness Empowers Us from Gobblynne on Vimeo.

After watching that video, you should have a better understating about what mindfulness is. But you may be wondering, “How is it a superpowe? Do I just need to be more conscious?” Not exactly. You see, it’s not just knowing about mindfulness that makes you obtain this superpower. You need to practice it and add it to your everyday life.

Why Mindfulness Is A Superpower from Gobblynne on Vimeo.

Now that you know, which wolf you should feed and how to become a superhero in your own right; start spreading the practice of mindfulness to everyone you know. Trust me they’ll thank you for it.

This article covers the mindfulness pillar of the Living Happier @Work program.

This Is How Origami Will Change Your Mindfulness Practice

February 19, 2016 by Iman

This Is How Origami Will Change Your Mindfulness Practice

Source: Origami touted as the new mindfulness craze of 2016

Everyone knows about the practice of mindfulness meditation. But people are constantly looking for new ways to do things to make them more mindful. Exercise, cleaning, writing and meditating have all been long suggested ways to be more mindful. Now people are suggesting folks consider the art of origami?

Origami originated in Japan in the 17th century and means folding paper. One of the main reasons origami helps with your mindfulness practice is because it slows you down. You’re dealing with several small pieces of paper that have to be folded in intricate ways, which automatically makes you concentrate more. While you’re slowing down, your breathing steadies and becomes more regular. Try to be cognizant of your breath while you’re in your practice; remember to take deep and steady breaths.

Lots of people have post-its at their desk, and this is the perfect material to get started. So next time you’re at work, and you need to center yourself try origami.

3 Ways To Add Exercise To Your Day

February 17, 2016 by Iman

3 Ways To Add Exercise To Your Day

You’ve probably heard by now that you should try to get some sort of exercise in while you’re at work. But what if you have a job that you feel doesn’t allow you to get away long enough to work out? Look no further, we’ve got some great tips for those trying to fit exercise into their workday.

Up All Day – You’re already ahead of the curve since you’re on your feel all day. But take it up a notch by doing some leg lifts or wall sits. If you stand behind a counter, leg lifts would be perfect. Do three repetitions of 10 on each leg. If no one is watching try doing wall sits; slide your back down a wall until you’re in a squat position and hold for 15 to 30 seconds.

Chained to Your Desk – If you’re in front of your desk the majority of the day, don’t worry you can get some exercise in as well. Try walking for 5 minutes every hour; not only does this help you get some exercise in, it helps you come back to your work with fresh eyes. Maybe walking to the restroom to freshen up or walk to the break room to get a snack. The best option of all is to walk outside and get some fresh air. Also, try taking your calls standing up, you can even turn a couple of boxes and books into a stand-up desk in no time.

Road Tripper – If your job requires you to travel by car most of the day, you can get a little workout in some sneaky ways. Stoplights and traffic are a normal occurrence in your job, so why not take advantage of them. Start carrying resistance bands in your car so you can work your arms and legs in your spare moments. As an option, when you get to your destination take the stairs to get your heart pumping.

This article covers the exercise pillar of the Living Happier @Work program.

Break Those Bad Habits With Mindfulness

Let’s Get Physical With Deskercising

Tap Into Your Unknown Superpower, Mindfulness!

This Is How Origami Will Change Your Mindfulness Practice

3 Ways To Add Exercise To Your Day

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