Headspace app creates mental space in a busy work day
We live in a world of wires, Wi-Fi, touch screens and other types of connected communications. All aspects of our life can be accessible with the click of a button. Everyone knows where you are, what you are doing for the most part. Financial and personal information, even your health and wellbeing can all be tracked thanks to apps and wearables. At work, we have a lot of digital distractions, deadlines, colleagues needing information. Clients needing assistance. The list goes on.
It can be hard to find a quiet space among all this noise and stress. But even through all this connectivity, it is possible to disconnect, bring in your awareness and better your life through peaceful meditation. Still, sometimes we need a little help to begin a mediation cycle.
At times we don’t know where to start with meditation. There are all sorts of methods and ways to go about it. Everyone has their own unique way of identifying their inner silence. We at Your Coffee Break found a wonderful medium called “Headspace.” Think of it like a gym membership for your mind. It’s a considerably helpful methods for centering your thoughts, silencing the distractions at hand and gaining mental clarity. And yes, you can absolutely do this at work! Here’s how we found the app to work, and how it can be helpful in the workplace.
1. Find some space.
Start by finding a quiet space in your office or workplace. It can be at your desk, if you feel comfortable. If not, see if you can close the conference room or a similar atmosphere for 10 minutes. You can even get to work early to ensure minimal distractions. The important thing is to start the meditation early on in your day, as that will help set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Just promise yourself you will make the time.
2. Find a little time.
Sure are all busy, and there are lots of things to do. Time is undoubtedly something we can’t seem to get enough of. But if you have 10 minutes, that’s all you need to use Headspace. Headspace even has a complimentary 10 day use called “Take 10,” a great way to implement a meditation routine into your daily life for just 10 minutes a day. Once you have the time and the space, Headspace will walk you through the cycle, explaining posture, breathing awareness and other areas of concentration.
3. Don’t chase thoughts.
The cool thing about Headspace is that you don’t have to drive away all your thoughts. We know that it’s nearly impossible to think about nothing. Headspace encourages your thoughts to pass through your mind, naturally. Imagine, for instance, that you are sitting at a bus stop, watching all the cars go by. Now imagine those cars are your thoughts. All passing by as you, the silent observer, are simply just watching it all. It’s ok to let thoughts come, but then quickly let them go.
4. Focus on your breath.
The human body is fascinating, full of voluntary and involuntary movement. But what is the one movement that is both voluntary and involuntary?
Breathing.
By focusing on your breathing and feeling you can slow down your heart rate, relax your muscles and slow down all the racing thoughts passing through. Headspace helps you through natural breathing exercises, allowing your mind to unwind the way it wants to. It sounds that simple, because it is!
Final thoughts.
Remember, the goal isn’t to completely clear your mind during your busy work day. It is just simply to create space. Headspace claims, “Maybe if you treat your head right, everything else will follow.” Looking to work on a specific area, such as creativity or relationships? Headspace offers specific areas to concentrate on as part of its program.
The temptation to allow distractions to fill our heads is there, but the benefit of mental exercise and creating space in your mind is invaluable.
Want to give Headspace a try? It’s available in the App Store for iPhone and Google Play for Android. You can learn more about this super simple tool at www.headspace.com.
Already use Headspace? Tell us how it works for you in the comments below!
