By Simon Chan – Founder of Mindfulness Power
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”
— Anne Lamott
Since graduating from university, I’ve been plugged into the fast-paced world of media and publishing in London for over 20 years. Experiencing the busy cycles and rhythms of the workplace, and witnessing first-hand the importance of workplace wellbeing.
In our goal-oriented culture, we are constantly navigating deadlines, priorities and targets – swimming in an ocean of tasks both in and out of work. In addition to the ongoing flow of digital information presented to us from the moment of waking until we rest, it’s easy to see how we can feel disconnected.
This is where the practice of mindfulness at work, and workplace mindfulness training becomes valuable. It supports stress reduction and burnout prevention, offering a way to create calm and resilience in a busy professional life.
As we approach World Mental Health Day, I’m reminded of how mindfulness and meditation have supported my own mental wellbeing, offering something essential: space.
Space to breathe between tasks. Space to pause, reset and refocus.
I’ve learned that space can come in many forms – from micro-pauses at the desk, to a mindful stroll around the park, to longer periods of rest.
As my practice has deepened, I’ve become more attuned to when space is needed and in what capacity, without judgement. Through this awareness, mindfulness becomes empowering and with space we often discover choices that were not visible before.
I recently returned from a retreat in the Spanish countryside. Being off the grid with no phone signal and limited WI-FI, offered a welcome digital detox. It gave me space to rest, enjoy nourishing food, connect with others, and immerse myself fully in the week’s activities.
I came home rejuvenated, and reminded that space itself is a powerful resource. It helps us return to our commitments with greater ease. Naturally, unplugging completely isn’t always possible, but awareness helps. Awareness that space is available to us, even in small doses!
Reflection:
Think about moments in your day when you could create a little bit more space for yourself. Could it be a 30 second pause at your desk? Five quiet minutes at the end of your workday?
However small, these pauses matter.
Take your next opportunity to disconnect, so you can truly reconnect. Learn how to strengthen your resilience at work through our Resilient Reset Programme.
This article was written with several mindful pauses to allow space for reflection.