What does mindfulness mean to you?

“Mindfulness is to be focused on the present, being self-aware and cognisant of the impact I have on my surroundings are those around me.”

How do you practise it at work and how does it help in handling stress?

“I am a very visual person, so I try to visualise the situation and the various outcomes of actions before I choose a path. When I catch myself feeling stressed, I speak especially calmly, so I don’t transfer my stress onto others.

I also try to focus unproductive stressful energy on uncovering the cause of my stress, then I can look at solving the root cause of that stress. At the end of every problem is at least one solution.”

Is there a subconscious mindful routine you follow at work?

“With a thousand ideas bouncing in my head, I am easily distracted, so I ask the team not to interrupt me intermittently, but instead, set weekly meetings to discuss various aspects of the business. For urgent decisions, they message me to set appointments, even if it’s for a 10-minute chat.”

Zen at the end of a stressful work day is…

“Taking my dogs out for a walk. Dogs are just the best stress-relieving therapists.”

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What does mindfulness mean to you?

“It is the (constant) state of awareness.”

How to you practise it through the day and how does it help you when handling stress at work?

“I practise it subconsciously, on the go, in the midst of our day-to-day operations. We have so much going on every day, but I make it a point to focus on one thing at a time, being mindful of the important, the people around me and the energy of people and situations.

I focus mainly on what’s ahead and not behind. And to prioritise the important – always working on the solutions.”

Zen at the end of a stressful work day is…

“Sitting back in my balcony and enjoying a glass of whisky on the rocks.”

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What does mindfulness mean to you?

“To me, it is being able to keep an open mind to any experience that comes my way.”

How do you practise it at work?

“Life is not always sugar and honey. Work can be difficult sometimes, especially when there is a problem. Unfortunately, many times people waste energy getting upset or overly emotional, which I feel can potentially enlarge the problem.

What I usually try and do is to ensure that my primary goal is in finding the solution to correct the issue. I make a conscious effort to try and see the good in a problem, and remember that every obstacle is an opportunity for me to learn and improve.”

WhAT’S YOUR ZEN ROUTINE?

“I start my day with some lively music from my alarm before tackling my morning exercises. Since starting Ohmyhome (an online real estate platform to help locals with their property needs), I realised that I feel physically drained after a long day, despite being desk-bound. 

I combat the fatigue with my morning workouts which sets a positive tone for my day. While dressing up for work, I will listen to an audio book or the Bible which inspires me to be a better version of myself each day. 

I start mindfulness the night before, by penning down my thoughts at the end of day and running through the plans for the next day. It helps me to get out of bed in time to follow through with my schedule.”

READ MORE:
How To Be Mindful Through Your 9 to 5 Routine
5 Mindfulness Apps That Will Help You Rest, Relax And Focus
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Text: Sandhya Mahadevan