5 Ways to Bring Zen to Work

We could all use a little more relaxation at the old 9 to 5. Due to the constant flux of information presenting itself to us for extended periods of time, it almost makes buying and running a little farm more attractive. Here are five simple ways to bring less brain friction and more productivity to your work day.

1. Plan each day. At the beginning of each day, make an exact schedule for how you would like to see your day go. Make a list of your top priorities and insert them into time slots allotted for that specific task.  During these time frames, refrain from answering phone calls, checking your email every 5 minutes, engaging in social media distractions, chatting on an instant messenger or listening to music. Keep all distractions to a minimum. This is not the time to multi-task.

2. Take lunch. Some people live for the time of day where they get to escape from their responsibilities and just sit and eat. Some forget it all together. This is not a good idea. Yes, it may make you look like the dedicated worker you are, but you are not putting your personal health or fulfillment anywhere on your “to-do” list — doesn’t that seem strange? You need nutrients, energy and some time to recharge your batteries. It’s also a good idea to think of anything but work during this break. Your brain needs to be stimulated by other interesting thoughts besides work.

3. Do not be a victim. Of circumstance that is! You will most likely have to put up with several problems, issues, “situations” and other fun drama during the day. If you let these enemies move in and control your emotions, influence how you react or just plain old ruin your day, this is your own fault. Learn to build an imaginary shield around your being where any negativity or stress immediately is deflected off of you and onto the floor. You have work to get done, so shake it off and remember who you are.

4. It’s time to go home. We spend ALOT of our lives working (well, most of us) and 8 to 9 hours a day is plenty. Once in a while, it might be called for to stay a little later or come in a little earlier — fine. However, if you make it a habit to work extremely long days (we’re talkin, 10, 11, 12 hour days) then you are cutting yourself short and not living life. Remember who comes first … YOU! Yes, you need your job in order to live but you also need to take a respected amount of time to do just that — live! There is always tomorrow … you can finish it tomorrow.

5. Little pleasures. Add some extra fun to your work day. If you’re on track and feeling good (or completely off track and feeling bad), there are little things you can do to perk up your spirits. Take a few minutes to listen to your favorite song. This always puts me in a better mood. Get up and stretch, go for a walk around the building or go grab a beverage from a cafe. Get your blood flowing and oxygen pumping. Call a friend, relative or spouse … just a quick hello and maybe a little laugh can loosen you up just enough to help you concentrate more.

I hope these tips come in handy and remember, a little Zengoes a long way!

5 thoughts on “5 Ways to Bring Zen to Work

  1. agw

    Good advice, and easily converted for those of us who are not nine to fivers too. One critique: “a lot” is two words. 😉

    Reply
  2. Gina Rose ext.9500Gina Rose ext.9500

    Hi….

    My garden, my flowers are my bit of ZEN.

    It is healthy and very grounding to just let go and get back to the basics of just ” being “. It is imperative for mind, body and spirit.

    It is important especially for us alll to get enough rest and tranquil peace and quiet.

    Nice little weekend article for thought.

    Blessed Be )O(
    Gina Rose ext.9500

    Reply
  3. Jacqueline x9472

    May I add one more thing, Realize when to call it a day, get off the train and call it good!

    Blessings and Big Hugs!
    Jacqueline x9472

    Reply
  4. Jacqueline x9472

    Wow, I can relate everyone who know me, knows I live in a little humble place out of the way all my animals, land my garden and that just how I like it, peaceful, relaxing it allows me to connect with mother earth.

    It truly is about stopping and realizing that you are the only one in control of your life, so simply put limits that allows you to balance your life, you are the only one that can do that, everything will always get taken care, it always does, so allow your self to pace it its up to you!

    There is so much change that is going on within relationship, business, its just a matter of moving through it, we may not always be able to understand or want the change but more often than not it always works out for the better its always the process that can seem the longest and hardest.

    Be nice to yourself, love yourself…

    Thanks again Justine,

    Blessings and Big Hugs!
    Jacqueline x9472

    Reply

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