Why Mindfulness Is Important To The Success of Your Organization
Globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, the leading cause of disability, with many of these people also suffering from symptoms of anxiety.
I used to be a part of this statistic. From university to my sales career with large corporations, I had anxiety during time of deliverables because I wanted to do an excellent job on the tasks. I would not be able to control my thoughts and emotions. I would either be scared that my work wouldn’t be good enough or think about something I failed at in the past. I was never present in the current moment. The entire model of who I saw myself as a person was based around my external successes from my university degree, to my job in a large corporation, to the awards and recognitions I got from others. Eventually this led to many unexpected absences and a burnout at work. I ended up taking time off to travel the world to figure out who I really was. I discovered meditation and mindfulness in the process which changed my life.
Our daily lives push us in so many different directions through our commitments to others at home and in the workplace. We live in a world where we are more interconnected than ever before in history due to technology. Yet, we feel more isolated and lonelier than ever before. With so many factors stimulating our mind on a daily basis, it is natural to feel stress and anxiety on a daily basis. A recent WHO-led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity.
So how do we change the dialogue? By recognizing these issues exist and changing ourselves and the organizational culture in the workplace and community. We need to create an environment in the workplace and community that supports these mental health issues, encourages vulnerability and educates individuals on mental well-being.
Workplaces that promote mental health and support people with mental disorders are more likely to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and benefit from associated economic gains.
Imagine coming into work and starting each day with a 15 minutes meditation session, starting each meeting with every member of the team sharing their intention for the meeting, or celebrating a win from that week in each meeting. To practice sharing positive aspects of our co-workers and doing our best in each moment instead of thinking about past failures or worry about the future.
Mindfulness will help your organization cope with stress and anxiety better. The practice of mindfulness will help you and your co-workers become aware of the the thoughts and emotions that create the feelings of depression and anxiety in your body. Additionally, it will help you and your co-workers live in the present moment and connect back to your authentic selves. Also, with this new found presence you and your co-workers will be more creative, more productive and focus better with a trained mind. Everyone will have the ability to take control of their minds before their minds take control of them.
If you want to learn more about how Be Kalm Mindfulness Consulting can help your organization incorporate mindfulness in the workplace or community, please email me at farah@bekalm.org for a free 15 minutes consultation or check out our website www.bekalm.org.
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