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Here and now: Discover the benefits of being present

Here and now: Discover the benefits of being present

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How to Harness the Benefits of Being Present and Tune Out Rumination

Being present is an incredibly valuable skill that is unfortunately often overlooked. Being present is when you pay complete attention to your surroundings, noticing and appreciating each moment. This could mean being aware of exhaustion on your manager's face during your 1-1 meeting, tuning into the energy when a coworker presents a new idea, or enjoying the early morning sun on the clouds and savoring the smell of coffee. However, for most of us, rumination of the past and worries about the future can be a formidable obstacle.

These relentless thoughts take us away from our present moment awareness, and can have detrimental impacts on our stress levels, relationships, and performance. Developing the habit of being present is hard work, but it comes with many benefits. Increased energy and motivation, better listening abilities, and a greater overall sense of happiness are just some of the rewards that come with mastering the art of being present.

Recognizing the Moment

Rather than simply allowing it to pass, being present requires that you become conscious of where your mind is at the present moment. Of course, there is nothing wrong with visiting the past and the future, but it is important that these visits remain temporary and that you don't allow them to linger. This way, your physical body and mind can stay focused on the task at hand, allowing you the chance to appreciate the world around you, elevate your self-awareness, and reduce stress and mood changes.

Rewards of Being Present

Living in the moment has been scientifically proven to provide numerous benefits. Mistakes at work are reduced, collaboration is improved, mental health is boosted, and learning is enhanced. In the big picture, it can create good habits for the future and help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Tips to Practicing Being Present

In order to become more mindful of the present, there are a few steps you can take. Here are some tips to help you stay present:

  • Begin and end each day with mindful breathing.
  • Observe your thoughts without judgement.
  • Take breaks throughout the day to be mindful of your thoughts and feelings.
  • Notice your surroundings with all five senses.
  • Focus on expressing gratitude for yourself and others.
  • Aim to observe the process rather than the results.
  • Listen to others with an open and receptive mind.
  • Take walks in nature and appreciate your environment.

Maintaining Present Moment Awareness in Your Daily Life

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to stay present when consumed with thoughts of the past and worries about the future. Here are six steps to help you be more present in your daily life:

  • Focus on your breathing.
  • Engage in meditation practices.
  • Reduce the time you're on social media.
  • Stay in tune with your body.
  • Prioritize gratitude in your life.
  • Recognize that you don't have to have all the answers.

Bringing Present Moment Awareness to Work

It's easy to stay present in our personal lives, but this doesn't always translate to when we're at work. Being aware of the here and now could prove to be extremely beneficial. Here are four mindfulness practices that can be brought to the workplace:

  • Use breaks times mindfully.
  • Take a few seconds to reset before beginning something new.
  • Check in with yourself whenever feeling stuck.
  • Know when to save certain tasks for another day.

Why It Can Bedifficult to Live in the Now

We are often encouraged to plan for the future or reflect on the past, rather than living in the present. These activities can be so consuming that they take our attention away from being present. While the future can be exciting, it is also full of uncertainties, which can be more difficult to come to terms with.

Balancing the Past, Present, and Future

We all have past experiences that can bring both comfort and distress, but it is essential to strive for a balance between the past, present, and future. Clearing your head of excessive thoughts and staying in the present is key to achieving this balance; however, the right balance is different for everyone and requires dedication and effort to find.

Mindfulness Practices

Staying mindful of your thoughts, surroundings, and actions is an important step for reaching a balanced headspace. Mindfulness practices can include meditation, breathing exercises, and other techniques that help you process the present moment without getting overwhelmed. Research has even shown that mindfulness reduces fight-or-flight reactions.

Every Moment Has a Purpose

Every moment of your life contains something special and valuable. Distraction can lead to missing out on the joys of the present and feeling regrets in the future. While it is not always easy, learning to be present can lead to better experiences and more cherished memories.

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What is Enterprise, Scalable Mindsets, and Behavior Change?

Enterprise, scalable mindsets, and behavior change are tools used to build a successful organization and reach personal goals. Understanding the relation between these concepts is key for effective transformation.

Why Shiken?

Shiken is a leader in enterprise, scalable mindsets, and behavior change, and provides the tools and resources to help individuals and organizations reach their goals. They offer a library, events, blog, research, and support that can help you make the necessary improvements in your life.

Being Present with Shiken

It can be hard to stay present among the hustle and bustle of life, but investing in one's mental and physical wellbeing is key in order to excel. That's where Shiken comes in to help. With their leadership team, wellbeing team, and benefits program, they provide tailored resources to people looking to get the most out of their work lives.

The Difficulty of Living in the Present

Living in the present can be difficult, as it is often much easier to lose ourselves in our worries and anxieties. That's why being mindful and investing in our wellbeing is so important. Shiken's services aid in providing information and resources to those who struggle with being present, allowing them to focus on the moment at hand.

Tools and Resources Provided by Shiken

Shiken offers an array of solutions to help individuals and organizations reach their goals. Their library, blog, and research provide tools to build leaders, create greater resilience, improve wellbeing, and increase sales performance. They also offer resources for executive coaching, diversity and inclusion, and case studies.

Conclusion

Ultimately, enterprise, scalable mindsets, skills, and behavior change are necessary for successful transformation. With Shiken's expansive resources, individuals and organizations can gain the tools and knowledge necessary to take control of their lives and careers.

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