Everyone is talking about mindfulness these days. But what is mindfulness anyway?
Let’s first look at what mindfulness is not: It is not about living in an idealised world where we float away and are constantly, annoyingly positive. Nor is it a new age method. It is not something that someone gives you or does to you. It is not a relaxation technique, although that can be one of the side effects. It is not about deep breathing training or reducing your sharpness or focus – quite the opposite. It is not something that takes years of practice before you see positive results. Positive results can be seen after only 8 weeks.
Mindfulness is about paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally (Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn). Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn developed the scientifically researched MBSR course, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in the USA, which is already well established in work environments abroad. It is a method of mental training. You could even call it fitness training for the brain. It consists of a combination of formal and informal exercises that improve focus and develop self-awareness and other qualities (understanding, empathy, intuition, etc.). It is based on more than 2500 years old Eastern meditation practices. It is the ability of every human being and a skill that can be learned and developed through various techniques.
What happens when you practice mindfulness?
The ability to manage attention and focus increases. When you learn how to manage your attention, you learn how to manage your thoughts. You learn to concentrate and maintain focus where you want, for as long as you want. In other words, you train yourself to be more present.
Your overall health improves. Research has shown that mindfulness has a positive impact on our physiology, psychology, and work performance. At the physiological level, researchers have demonstrated that mindfulness training results in a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, and a lower heart rate. People who practice mindfulness sleep better and feel less stressed.
Problem-solving and other cognitive skills improve significantly. Mindfulness training increases the density of grey cells in our cerebral cortex, the part of the brain that thinks rationally and solves problems. Because of this increase, cognitive function improves, resulting in better memory, increased concentration, reduced cognitive rigidity, and faster reaction times. Research has found that people who practice mindfulness techniques report an overall improved quality of life.
Sustainable increase in organisational performance. The benefits of mindfulness have also been demonstrated in organisations. Research has shown significant improvements in focus, awareness, memory, job performance, and overall job satisfaction after only 8 weeks of training for 15 to 20 minutes a day. Participants also reported reduced stress and improved perceptions of work-life balance. Other benefits were also identified, including increased creativity and innovation, improved workplace relations, reduced absenteeism, and improved ethical decision-making.
A stronger executive brain function makes us better leaders. Regular practice of mindfulness practice enables us to perceive ourselves, our thoughts, emotions, feelings, and other people more consciously and to choose our responses consciously so that we are no longer driven by automatic fight-or-flight reactions. Our executive brain function, the control centre for our thoughts, words and actions, is also improved. A well-developed executive function allows us to better lead ourselves and others with focus and clarity towards shared goals.
Mindfulness training is offered to students at DOBA Business School as part of the Career Centre.
mag. Mateja Lenarčič, Master of Science in Economics, with more than 20 years of experience in the business world, Director of MEDIUS, Institute for Mindfulness and Mediation, internationally certified MBSR and MBCL teacher, specialist in transactional analysis – consultant, trainer, lecturer. She conducts training seminars, workshops, trainings, MBSR programmes for organisations and individuals, workshops on communication, leadership, etc., one-on-one counselling for individuals and leaders.
She cooperates with DOBA Business School in conducting training seminars on mindfulness, MBSR techniques, and communication with difficult people.
She helps to develop skills to cope with stress and challenges and to improve psychological and physical health and the quality of life.