Blog – Page 14

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.

If No Action, Why Is There a Meeting?!

February 22, 2016 by Wilma Jones

If No Action, Why Is There a Meeting?!

People always complain about meetings. Not customer meetings or sales meetings. Nope, it’s those internal meetings from hell that drive us crazy on a weekly basis.

In a discussion last week after work, I was with a few folks enjoying adult beverages while pondering the thought that somehow management at our respective companies would get a grip. It seems there are more obstacles to getting things accomplished in corporate America than ever before. No, it’s not just where you work.

There are more people who need to get involved. Decisions are being made committee. But not just a few people. Lots of folk have their hands in the mix. Just makes it seem more difficult than it needs to be to many of the people at the event.

The issue that piqued the most interest was the meeting that has no result. Just covering the same information you’ve heard before. An update on an update. I am of the opinion that if there is no action required as a result of a meeting agenda, then an email or telephone call will probably suffice.

I know that isn’t true for everything, but I think if people really thought through what they needed from each meeting, they may decide everything can be accomplished without pulling everyone together at once.

Now, I understand there are issues that aren’t appropriate for email. But for the most part, if people sent clear and concise emails with appropriate details and lists of options for feedback, we could cancel 10-15% of the meetings on our calendar.

Of course, that is with the understanding that everyone opens, reads and responds to their email. But that’s another blog post altogether!

Do you think there are too many meetings in your workweek? Let me know in the comments.

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.

The 3 Top Rules for Cubicle Farm Civility

February 15, 2016 by Wilma Jones

The 3 Top Rules for Cubicle Farm Civility

Kindness to your colleagues includes appropriate behavior toward one another. It’s the little things that can annoy and irritate our coworkers. There has been an evolution of workplace design from offices to open cubicle environments. Because cubicles allow others sight, sound and smell access to your workspace, there is a need for cubicle manners in 2016.

Some people just don’t understand how to work in an open environment. Even if you are lucky enough to have high walls dividing your cubes, potentially blocking some of the sight lines, remember that folks can still hear you and smell the aromas emitting from your space, so act accordingly.

#1. Lunch at your desk

Stinky food. Crunchy food. Discarded food in your desk trash can. If people eat at their desks, which is more common now than ever, remember to ensure your food is not too pungent and doesn’t cause you to create a lot of crunchy sounds when you eat.

#2. Personal hygiene belongs at home.

Nail trimming. Hands or feet. Teeth flossing. Nail polishing – the smells, people, the smells! These activities belong in the rest room, or even better, handled at home.

#3. Phones

Using a speakerphone in a cubicle farm is just rude. No other way to say it. Get a headset. When using your cell phone, cut the ringer volume down, or put the phone on vibrate only. Have short conversations using a low tone of voice. Or excuse yourself to go to a conference room or somewhere more private for a longer conversation or one that involves private details (medical, financial, relationships, etc).

Respect the space. Because it’s space, not walls.

What other tips do you recommend?

Tap Into Your Unknown Superpower, Mindfulness!

If No Action, Why Is There a Meeting?!

If No Action, Why Is There a Meeting?!

This Is How Origami Will Change Your Mindfulness Practice

3 Ways To Add Exercise To Your Day

The 3 Top Rules for Cubicle Farm Civility

The 3 Top Rules for Cubicle Farm Civility

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