Do you think you can find a way to make daily chores like office cleaning, filing, etc. less of a chore and more of a joyful practice?
Sure, on the surface that sentiment sounds silly. How can cleaning be joyful? But if you change your focus from the act of cleaning to the present moment, you start to get the picture of why cleaning is enjoyable.
Even simple things like folding a shirt (if you’re in retail) or filling papers in the office can tune you back into the present moment.
But why is mindfulness so important at work?
Benefits of Mindfulness
In a workplace setting, mindfulness increases productivity reduces pain and depression and increases morale. Countless studies have offered insight into the many other benefits of mindfulness like increased intelligence, improved memory, and reduced stress.
Would your team benefit from these so-called ‘side-effects’ of mindfulness?
How to Infuse Mindfulness into Cleaning
Mindfulness creates focus. What you’re focusing on is where your mind is. When you wash down the kitchen microwave are you thinking, “Why do I always have to be the one to clean this out. Everyone uses it!”? if so, you’re not living in the moment. You’re judging and creating stress.
To clean mindfully is to be fully engaged in the moment as it happens. You feel the sponge in your hand, the water trickle across your wrist as you wet it, and focus intently on what it looks like as it wipes away stains and spots. Same principle can be applied to anything and anywhere.
You aren’t daydreaming about why you’re doing what you’re doing. You simply are.
Pro tips for mindful cleaning:
- Focus on the sensations. Vacuuming, feel the vibration under your hands and the movement across the floor. Dusting, watch as the specks of dust gather on your rag. Taking out the trash, feel the ties underneath your fingers as you secure the bag.
- Declutter your office. See what can be eliminated and then actively take steps to trash or recycle it.
- Do what feels good in the moment. Never do more than you feel like doing if you want to stay mindfully present.
Chances are, you’ll find mindful cleaning a sweet relief from everyday work stress, remember there is no way to happiness, Happiness is the way- so give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below.
Credit : https://zenhabits.net/mindful-simplicity/ and https://hansavedas.org/