2 Ways Mindfulness Literally Changes Your Mind

Source: Why Mindfulness Is Good For Your Brain and Business

Mindfulness is gaining traction, not only in the healthy living world but the work world as well. And the reason many employees and employers should take note is because unlike some other healthy living techniques, mindfulness actually changes parts of your brain in a positive way.

Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) – This is the part of the brain that regulates self-regulation; things like your ability to sustain focus and attention. If you don’t have a well-functioning ACC you can be impulsive, aggressive and do poorly on your work, (it’s like your brain after too many alcoholic drinks). People with a mindfulness practice have a better functioning ACC and can avoid more distractions than the average person.

Hippocampus – The hippocampus is the part of the mind that is associated with memory and emotion, which are two extremely critical parts of life. It’s been proven that people that endure higher levels of stress have a larger hippocampus. Some of the benefits of mindfulness are a better ability to deal with pain, and increase in complex thinking, self-awareness, perception, emotional regulation, and body awareness.

Now that you know two great reasons to start your mindfulness practice start with 3-5 minutes of mindfulness meditation to ease your way into it.

READ MORE: Live A Healthier Life At Work With These Tips

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

Live A Healthier Life At Work With These Tips

Source: Healthy hacks for your office space

Today is the day to take charge of your health. We know you’re busy, but we all are.  That is no excuse for not taking care of you. Without your health, your family, job and other responsibilities will fall by the wayside, which is never anyone’s intention. Many of us spend at least 8 hours of our time at work; so what better way to start living a healthier lifestyle than at work? Try these 4 tips to get you started:

Sit Less – Get up, stretch your legs, get your blood flowing. Walk to the break room, the bathroom or anywhere else you can get away from your desk for a while. It’s important that you get up from your desk to get a bit of mid-day exercise.

Fresh Air – Get some fresh air. Some offices may trigger allergies because of furniture, chemicals in the carpet, paint or even someone’s perfume. Going outside to get some fresh air can clear up your sinuses, as well as your mind.

Standing around – In an effort to help you to sit less, ask your company about a stand-up desk. These desks will allow you to transition from standing to sitting during the day as you please while working.

Aromatherapy – Citrus smells can significantly change your mood for the positive and lift your spirits. Skip the artificial scents and go straight for essential oils like lemon, orange and grapefruit.

Now that you have these 4 tips take them and share them with your co-workers so you all can live a healthier life at work.

READ MORE: 10 Ways to Prepare for Your Yoga Practice

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

5 Ways to Catapult Your Career Through Mindfulness

Source: How Mindfulness Will Turbocharge Your Career

We talk about mindfulness quite a bit because it’s a practice that should be in everyone’s daily routine. Mindfulness is a way for you to take control of the weeds of your brain. The weeds are negative thoughts and responses that pop in your brain. And when it comes to those weeds and work they can be a deterrent to your current job, and your growth at the company. Here are 5 ways to use mindfulness to advance you career:

1. Stress – Mindfulness helps will stress relief, it takes you out of the fight-or-flight mindset and helps you become more relaxed.
2. Focus – When your mind is not cluttered with negative thoughts you’re able to focus on the things that matter.
3. Creativity – Your mind needs to be clear to be creative. Mindfulness allows your mind to make room for the good stuff.
4. Emotional Intelligence – The way you manage your behavior is important especially in the office. Mindfulness allows you recognize and understand your emotions.
5. Better you – Mindfulness can help you express more compassion and kindness, which is always welcomed in the workplace.

How does mindfulness help you control the negative self-talk we all experience?

READ MORE: Mindfulness Could Save Your Job

This article covers the mindfulness and kindness pillars of the Living Happier @Work program.