🧘Incorporating Mindfulness

APRIL FOCUS
Balancing Drive & Mind: Incorporating Mindfulness

Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment, has profound implications for productivity. By cultivating mindfulness, we can enhance focus, reduce stress, and ultimately achieve more meaningful results in our work and daily lives.

Before delving into mindfulness techniques, reflect… what are our usual behaviour when it comes to April? A quarter has passed and we are nearing the end of April. April can bring a sense of both momentum and fatigue.

I’m not sure about you, but I tend to feel a bit drained in April. There are some reasons for that…

1. ☀️ Better weather: With the weather warming up and the allure of outdoor activities beckoning, it's common for productivity to dip as people yearn to spend more time outside.

2. 🎯 Self-Evaluation: April often marks a checkpoint for assessing progress on annual goals, which can lead to heightened pressure and anxiety.

3. ✈️ Holiday Planning: As thoughts turn to summer plans, it's easy to become distracted and lose sight of immediate tasks and deadlines.

4. 🤧Seasonal Allergies: For hayfever sufferers (ME!), this is the time when you feel physical discomfort and reduced energy levels, that impacts overall productivity

💡Have a think through, how do you normally feel in April, or just this time of the year?

DEEP DIVE
Mindfulness in April… and beyond

Yes, it can be A LOT with what was mentioned just above. But, it is also an opportunity for us to review, reflect and re-calibrate our goals and what we want to achieve - be it this year, this quarter, or this first half of the year.

So what if we are a bit behind? The important bit is to acknowledge that we are aware of it, pat ourselves at the back for coming this far and review our steps for the next few months.

Here are some mindfulness practice we can incorporate whilst we balance everything else:

1️⃣ Morning Mindfulness Routine: 
Ahem..! Remember the 5AM Club? 😉 Instead of stressing out that you have not been able to wake up at 5am, what about setting a small ritual (baby steps!) to start each day by a few minutes of deep breathing exercises or meditation? Do it for 10 minutes.. and we are good to start out day.

2️⃣ Single-Tasking Focus:
Practice the art of single-tasking throughout the day to cultivate deep focus and attention. Rather than attempting to multitask, commit to completing one task at a time with full concentration. Set out the day with - what is the one thing you want to achieve today?

3️⃣ Taking mindful breaks:
Integrate short mindful breaks into your schedule to recharge and maintain mental clarity. Take brief walks outside to connect with nature and refresh your perspective. Engage in mindful eating by savoring each bite of your meals and appreciating the nourishment they provide. Use these moments of pause to check in with yourself, tuning into any signs of stress or tension in your body, and practicing self-compassion.

4️⃣ (Insert time of day) Reflection:
Something that you can do it in the evening or the next morning. Reflect on what has happened in the day and acknowledge your achievements - no matter how small and practice gratitude. Noting down your challenges and how you have overcome it, can also help. If you have not, then this can help with the thinking process.

Mindfulness is really important. I have always been pushing myself and before I know it, I felt burnt out or my motivation just fizzles away. There must be a balance between drive and mindfulness - a bit of yin and yang..

UPDATE
I’m Writing! (or at least.. trying 😁)

I just want to say thank you for subscribing, your support and kind words.

I have started writing in medium.com and here’s my link:
https://writtenby.shihhoon.com/

I’m still exploring different methods and the best way to deliver value.
If you have any feedback, or any topic you like me to look into, please drop me an email: [email protected]

🙏🙏

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