4 simple practices for staying grounded

HEALTH

Despite its name, mindfulness should be as much a physical practice as it is a mental one. In fact, research has shown that paying attention to our bodies, or “anchoring,” is often an easy way into mindfulness and helps us reduce stress while it’s happening.

Here are some simple, effective anchoring practices you can use:

1. TAKE A SINGLE BREATH: It takes just one intentional breath to change our perspective. You can follow the breath into your body, judge whether your head is working with you or against you, and then consciously choose which way you want to go.

2. PAY ATTENTION TO EMOTIONS: Your body is where you feel your emotions, which are important to acknowledge even if they may seem like a liability, especially at work. It’s paradoxical, but if you acknowledge and recognize unpleasant emotions, they have less power  to cause you distress.

3. REMEMBER THAT YOUR COLLEAGUES HAVE BODIES TOO: Our bodies and the pleasure and pain that come with them are shared experiences. When you ignore your body (or try to), you miss out on a fundamental part of what we have in common. The empathy gained from this awareness helps you to have productive professional relationships, rather than suffering from ongoing frustration and pain.

4. MAGNIFY LITTLE PLEASURES: Don’t underestimate the joy of taking that first sip of afternoon coffee. It’s human nature to notice pain more than pleasure, but with reminders and practice you can experience joy throughout the day in the simple, reliable pleasures of having a body. Every day, no matter how lousy, affords countless opportunities like these to feel good.