Meditation has really been gaining traction lately, with tons of studies highlighting its benefits. But it’s not a new thing—people have been meditating for centuries across different cultures. Essentially, it’s about finding inner peace, clearing your mind, and realizing your place in the world.
Meditation is fantastic for reducing stress. It can also help lower blood pressure, boost your immune system, and even help you stay fit, especially if you pair it with something low-impact like yoga.
Given all these benefits, it’s no surprise people want to meditate at work, too. Work can be a major stressor with deadlines, projects, and sometimes clashing with coworkers. Meditation can help cut down that stress right at your desk.
Although it might be tricky to have a full meditation session during work hours, especially in a shared office, there are still ways to fit in some breathing exercises and mantras. First, find a quiet spot. If you have a private office, great! If not, you’ll need to get creative. Look for spots with little foot traffic.
Carve out at least 15 minutes each day for a quick meditation routine. That’s all you need to start feeling the positive effects. Spend five minutes on breathing, five on mantras, and five minutes easing out of your meditative state. If you’re unsure about timing, set an alarm for the full 15 minutes and rotate through breathing, mantras, and waking up gradually.
Most workplaces are scent-free to avoid issues with sensitivities or allergies, but you can still use essential oils subtly. Instead of using a diffuser, make a light perfume by diluting essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut or sunflower oil, or mix them with water to lessen the scent.
If you can’t find an empty room and can’t leave your desk, there are still simple ways to meditate. Stress affects both your physical and mental health, so reducing it is crucial. By actively managing your stress, you’ll gain the skills to control your life, health, and daily interactions better.
Take a few minutes during your coffee or lunch break to walk around and practice simple meditation techniques at work. You’ll think more clearly, focus better, and feel a significant boost in your mood.
What do you have to lose? Think about all you stand to gain!