Mindfulness training can help people focus, see clearly, work with change, form deeper relationships and more. It goes far beyond putting a stop to multitasking, Marturano said. […]
So how do you go about achieving mindfulness? Bush said one basic practice is to take a break during the workday and concentrate on your breathing. You can do this right before an important meeting.
“Bring your awareness to your breath, as your breath enters and leaves your body — not doing any special kind of yoga breathing,” she told IBD in an interview. You will have thoughts jump into your head, but just let them come and go without judging yourself. This mediation exercise is simple, but not that easy to do, yet it provides many benefits, Bush said.
She adds that she’s seen greater interest in the field over the last five years. It’s been driven in part by people trying to fight stress triggered by the tough economic times — as well as more neuroscience and social-science research that’s highlighted key benefits. For example, mindfulness training can reduce levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone.