Common obstacles to mindfulness and self-care at work

These are some of the common obstacles to mindfulness and self-care at work that many people face. However, they are not insurmountable. In fact, they can be seen as opportunities for learning and growth. By recognizing them, acknowledging them, and working with them skillfully, one can overcome them and deepen one’s mindfulness practice¹.

• Doubt: The uncertainty about whether mindfulness will work or not often plagues many people in the beginning of their practice. They may question the validity, effectiveness, or relevance of mindfulness for their situation. This can lead to a lack of motivation, commitment, or consistency in practicing mindfulness¹.
• Restlessness: It can be hard to sit still for a period of time when the mind is busy, distracted, or bored. Restlessness can manifest as physical agitation, mental wandering, or emotional impatience. This can interfere with the ability to focus, relax, and enjoy the present moment¹.
• Irritation: Irritation can arise for many reasons, such as unpleasant sensations, noises, thoughts, or feelings. It can also stem from frustration, resentment, or anger towards oneself or others. Irritation can make it difficult to be calm, compassionate, and accepting of what is¹
• Sleepiness: Sleepiness can be a sign of physical or mental fatigue, lack of sleep, poor diet, or low mood. It can also be a form of avoidance or resistance to facing one’s challenges or emotions. Sleepiness can impair one’s alertness, clarity, and engagement with mindfulness¹.
• Wanting: Wanting can refer to the desire for something different, better, or more than what is. It can also involve attachment to certain outcomes, expectations, or preferences. Wanting can cause dissatisfaction, discontentment, and suffering when reality does not match one’s wishes¹.

Some strategies to overcome these obstacles are:

• – Cultivate curiosity and openness: Instead of doubting or dismissing mindfulness, try to approach it with a sense of curiosity and openness. Explore what mindfulness is, how it works, and what benefits it can bring. Experiment with different types of mindfulness practices and see what works best for you. Be open to new experiences and perspectives².
• Embrace restlessness: Instead of fighting or fleeing from restlessness, try to embrace it as part of your experience. Notice how restlessness feels in your body and mind. Observe what triggers it and what effects it has. Use restlessness as a cue to return to your breath, your anchor, or your intention².
• Soften irritation: Instead of reacting or suppressing irritation, try to soften it with kindness and compassion. Recognize that irritation is a natural human emotion that arises from various causes and conditions. Accept it without judgment or blame. Breathe into it and let it go².
• Energize sleepiness: Instead of succumbing or resisting sleepiness, try to energize it with awareness and action. Check if you need more sleep, rest, nutrition, or mood support. Adjust your posture, environment, or time of practice. Use more active or stimulating mindfulness techniques².
• Release wanting: Instead of clinging or grasping to wanting, try to release it with wisdom and gratitude. Understand that wanting is a source of suffering that stems from ignorance and delusion. Appreciate what you have and what is. Let go of what you want and what is not².

I hope this helps you understand some of the common obstacles to mindfulness and self-care at work and how to overcome them. Remember, mindfulness and self-care are not easy or effortless; they require practice and patience. The more you practice them, the more you will benefit from them.

 

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2023-07-11

(1) Overcome These Five Obstacles to Your Mindfulness Practice. https://www.mindful.org/overcome-these-five-obstacles-to-your-mindfulness-meditation-practice/.

(2) There Are Risks to Mindfulness at Work – Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2015/02/there-are-risks-to-mindfulness-at-work.

(3) Mindfulness in the workplace. Is it effective and what are the …. https://www.oxfordmindfulness.org/news/mindfulness-workplace-effective-challenges/.

(4) Self-Care At Work: How to Introduce The Practice Into Your Workday. https://planergy.com/blog/self-care-at-work/.

(5) Mindfulness-Based Social Work and Self-Care Programme: A Mixed Methods …. https://academic.oup.com/bjsw/article/52/5/2760/6407420.