Want to Boost Productivity? Consider Meditation

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If you think meditation is just for crystal-loving hippie types, think again. Today, millions of people from many walks of life have turned to practices such as meditation and yoga as an antidote to the harried lifestyle they are living, whether they choose to practice at home, take advantage of a program offered at their workplace, or attend classes after hours.

Far-Reaching Benefits

In my coaching practice, I often encourage clients to try meditation, even if they're a little skeptical at first. That's because meditation and yoga have far-reaching benefits that help people relax and de-stress, so that they have more energy to channel into all aspects of their lives. Not only do these practices have a positive effect on our physical and emotional wellbeing that lasts long after we've moved on to our next activity, they can also increase our concentration and productivity.

In fact, some medical studies have shown that meditation can lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, improve our memory and attention span, and help manage such conditions as diabetes, back problems, allergies, arthritis, depression, asthma, and heart disease (when used in combination with traditional medical treatments). For this reason, more and more corporations and small businesses are offering yoga and meditation classes on site as part of their wellness programs, in the hopes of offsetting the rising costs of health care.

What Does Meditation Look Like?

If you're wondering what meditation looks like, it can take innumerable forms. But the truth is it can be as simple as sitting quietly in your office chair and focusing on the rise and fall of your belly as you breathe. While some people believe you should meditate a certain number of minutes each day, the truth is there are few "rules" about meditation, except that you shouldn't meditate while you're driving a vehicle!

The goal in meditation is to focus on the present moment rather than ruminating about what happened earlier in the day or worrying about a future event. Because when we let go and focus on the here and now, we're more peaceful, relaxed, focused, and productive.

If you're interested in trying meditation, you'll be happy to know that your choices are virtually limitless. In my next article I'll discuss some of your options, as well as providing a few exercises you can try on your own.

In the meantime, don't let your preconceived ideas prevent you from learning more about such practices as yoga and meditation. They could be the ticket to a happier, healthier, more productive life for you and your employees.

 Note: If you're interested in learning how to meditate or would like to bring yoga and meditation classes into your workplace as part of your wellness program, here are a couple resources to consider:

•  The Atma Center - This internationally recognized yoga center, which offers a wide-range of classes at its eastside location, also provides businesses with customized, onsite yoga and meditation programs for employees through its Yog@Work program. Classes teach employees stress-busting tools that they can carry into their daily life through yoga, meditation, and various breathing practices. For more information, visit www.atmacenter.com.
  
•  Mindful Moments - Founded by psychologist Nancy Rubel, PhD, LLC, Mindful Moments offers classes on mindfulness meditation and the development of a more mindful approach to living. Her menu of services includes onsite classes and workshops for businesses, as well as classes and one-on-one meditation sessions and psychotherapy from a mindfulness perspective for individuals in her Beachwood office. For more information, visit www.mindfulmomentsonline.com.

Ellen H. Brown

Copyright 2008 Ellen H. Brown