Mindfulness- 5-10 minutes that could transform your day

25 years ago, the CEO of a company where I worked, offered to pay for Transcendental Meditation classes for any employees who wanted to try it. He spoke of the benefits to health, the increase in mental productivity, and longevity. At the time I thought the idea a bit 'flakey', but was interested enough to give it a try.

Over the years, the return on that single investment, has been invaluable. As a consultant with a hectic travel and client focus, I have been able to spend a quick 20 minutes in busy airports, on trains, in parks or with a quick time out on client site having worked hours on a big deadline. Yet 20 minutes for some may be too long a time. I have learned several different approaches in recent years, which can be practiced in a 5-10 minute time-frame, including halted breathing; grounded thinking; and tri-focus (belly, heart, mind) energy , which can help me to refocus my mind, stop the pestering internal talk, and bring me back to a sense of peace.

This article from Insead called Mindfulness Meditation as an on-the-Spot Workplace Intervention, explains many of the benefits of how these mindfulness techniques can be used. Take a couple of deep breaths, feel the chair beneath you, and read:

http://knowledge.insead.edu/leadership-organisations/mindfulness-meditation-as-an-on-the-spot-workplace-intervention-5636

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