Mindfulness Makeover: Transforming Your Space for Ultimate Awareness
Mindfulness Makeover:
Transforming Your Space for Ultimate Awareness
It's Day 2 of Mental Health Week in Western Australia, and we're diving into the 'awareness' dimension of self-care. Today, we're giving your workspace a mindfulness makeover. These are spaces we might not invest much in, but where we actually spend a significant portion of our time. Let's change that!
The Power of Your Surroundings
Our environment significantly impacts our mental state. By consciously designing our workspace, we can boost our awareness and overall wellbeing. It's time to create an environment that nurtures mindfulness and in depth slow productivity!
Let's break it down into actionable steps:
1. Declutter for Clarity:
Start with a 15-minute decluttering sprint. Focus on your desk or immediate work area.
Apply the "one in, one out" rule: for every new item you bring in, remove one.
Use vertical space: Install shelves or use stackable organizers to maximize space.
Create a "pending" box for items you're unsure about. If you don't use them in a month, let them go.
Remember, a clear space equals a clear mind.
2. Sensory Harmony:
Lighting: Opt for warm, adjustable lighting. Use a desk lamp with different brightness settings.
Position your workspace near natural light if possible. If not, consider a light therapy lamp.
Scents: Use a small essential oil diffuser. Try peppermint for focus, lavender for calm, or citrus for energy.
Rotate scents based on your needs throughout the day.
Sounds: Create a "focus" playlist with instrumental music or nature sounds.
Use noise-cancelling headphones if you're in a noisy environment.
Textures: Add a soft cushion to your chair or a small, plush rug under your desk.
Choose a mouse pad or wrist rest with a pleasing texture.
3. Bring Nature Indoors:
Add a low-maintenance plant like a snake plant, pothos, or succulent to your desk.
Create a small herb garden in a sunny window - mint or basil are great options.
Keep a small bowl of natural objects like pebbles or pinecones on your desk.
Hang nature photographs or paintings in your line of sight.
4. Create a Mindfulness Meditation Ritual:
Schedule short meditation breaks in your work calendar. Start with 5-minute sessions and gradually increase.
Practice the "eyes softening" technique: Periodically, relax your gaze and expand your peripheral vision.
Set a gentle reminder (like a soft chime on your phone) to take mindful breaks every hour.
Use the "3-3-3 rule": Every so often, name 3 things you see, 3 things you hear, and move 3 parts of your body.
Keep a small object (like a smooth stone or stress ball) on your desk as a tactile reminder to be present.
Implement a "mindful transition" practice between tasks: Take three deep breaths before starting something new.
End your workday with a brief gratitude meditation, acknowledging three positive aspects of your day.
5. Digital Detox Design:
Create a charging station for your phone away from your main work area.
Use apps like Forest or Freedom to block distracting websites during work hours.
Set up separate user profiles on your computer for work and personal use.
Implement a "no notifications" policy during focused work periods.
6. Personalize with Intention:
Display items that inspire you: quotes, photos of loved ones, or symbols of your goals.
Create a small vision board related to your work aspirations.
Use colors intentionally: blues for calm, greens for balance, yellows for creativity.
Rotate these personal items regularly to keep your space fresh and inspiring.
Time to Reflect
Choose one area of your workspace. Spend the next 24 hours transforming it using these tips. Document the before and after - you might be surprised at the difference!
As you implement these changes, pay attention to how they affect your mood, awareness levels, and productivity. Which changes had the biggest impact? How does your new space make you feel?
Remember, creating a mindful workspace is an ongoing process. Keep refining and adjusting to suit your needs. Your environment should evolve as you do on your mindfulness journey.
Coach Yourself
- What area of your workspace could benefit most from a mindfulness makeover?
- Which of the suggested changes resonates with you the most? Why?
- How can you incorporate more natural elements into your daily work environment?
- What's one small change you can make right now to boost mindfulness in your workspace?
- How can you create a ritual to maintain the mindfulness of your workspace over time?
You may also like:
Quiet Quitting or is it Quiet Flourishing?
Slow academia: booking in deep thinking and slow time as an act of self-care
Morning Routines: What’s the first conversation you are going to have with yourself each day?
Continue to build your self-care toolbox and learn with others, contribute to the Citizen Wellbeing Scientist Project