{"id":7816,"date":"2021-06-15T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-15T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kylas.io\/?p=7816"},"modified":"2023-04-24T10:11:33","modified_gmt":"2023-04-24T04:41:33","slug":"small-business-culture-mindfulness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kylas.io\/en\/leadership-culture\/small-business-culture-mindfulness","title":{"rendered":"A Small Business Culture Read &#8211; Why is Mindfulness Critical in Times of Crisis?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">A recent article&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2021\/04\/19\/well\/mind\/covid-mental-health-languishing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\"><u>New York Times article<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;titled,&nbsp;\u2018There\u2019s a Name for the Blah You\u2019re Feeling: It\u2019s Called Languishing\u2019&nbsp;achieved&nbsp;viral&nbsp;status, catching people\u2019s attention with this apt word for what everyone\u2019s feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The article describes languishing as, \u201ca sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you\u2019re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Feeling reluctant to wake up, not feeling like working&#8230;not quite depressed, but definitely not flourishing. This dominant emotion, unfortunately, creeps up on you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">One of its biggest threats is that you may not even realize you\u2019re feeling it. The other biggest threat is that it can have long-term effects.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">As leaders, we can\u2019t have our employees everywhere languishing, can we? Not to forget that we\u2019re already dealing with a burnout epidemic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">It got us thinking \u2013&nbsp;<em>what can you do&nbsp;to sidestep being in this situation? What can you do to pull yourself out of the fog?&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><em>What can you do to&nbsp;change your small business culture and&nbsp;help yourself and your employees&nbsp;survive&nbsp;\u2013 let\u2019s not go to thrive \u2013 under these circumstances?<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Mindfulness, a simple answer,&nbsp;and a buzzword for the last few years comes&nbsp;to mind.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ht-block-toc  is-style-outline htoc htoc--position-wide toc-list-style-plain\" data-htoc-state=\"expanded\"><span class=\"htoc__title\"><span class=\"ht_toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/span><span class=\"htoc__toggle\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\"><g fill=\"#444\"><path d=\"M15 7H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><path d=\"M15 1H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1zM15 13H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/span><\/span><div class=\"htoc__itemswrap\"><ul class=\"ht_toc_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-defining-mindfulness\">Defining Mindfulness<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-how-does-one-achieve-a-state-of-mindfulness\">How Does One Achieve a State of Mindfulness?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-5-essential-yet-simple-practices-to-cultivate-mindfulness-in-times-of-crisis\">5 Essential Yet Simple Practices to Cultivate Mindfulness in Times of Crisis in a Small Business Culture<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-1-practicing-gratitude\">1.&nbsp;Practicing&nbsp;Gratitude<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-1-gratitude-journaling\">1. Gratitude&nbsp;Journaling<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-2-thank-people\">2. Thank&nbsp;People<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-3-pass-on-acts-of-kindness\">3. Pass on Acts of Kindness<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-4-volunteer\">4. Volunteer<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-5-visualization\">5. Visualization<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-6-find-something-to-look-forward-to\">6. Find Something to Look Forward to<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-2-meditation\">2. Meditation<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-practice-often\">1. Practice&nbsp;Often<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-start-with-guided-meditations\">2. Start with&nbsp;Guided&nbsp;Meditations<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-find-a-comfortable-spot\">3. Find a&nbsp;Comfortable&nbsp;Spot<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-4-focus-on-your-breath\">4. Focus on&nbsp;Your&nbsp;Breath<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-be-forgiving\">5. Be&nbsp;Forgiving<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-3-mindful-eating\">3. Mindful&nbsp;Eating<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-4-being-a-good-listener\">4. Being&nbsp;a&nbsp;Good&nbsp;Listener<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-5-spend-time-in-nature\">5.&nbsp;Spend&nbsp;Time in&nbsp;Nature<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-how-to-make-mindfulness-part-of-your-small-business-culture\">How&nbsp;to&nbsp;Make Mindfulness Part of Your Small Business Culture<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-defining-mindfulness\"><strong>Defining Mindfulness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindful.org\/what-is-mindfulness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\"><u>Mindful.org<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;defines mindfulness as&nbsp;<em>\u2018the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we\u2019re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what\u2019s going on around us.\u2019&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Perfect!&nbsp;Exactly what we need at the moment,&nbsp;right?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-how-does-one-achieve-a-state-of-mindfulness\"><strong>How Does One Achieve a State of Mindfulness?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Practicing mindfulness seems straightforward enough on any other day&#8230;consistent practicing&nbsp;being in a state of mindfulness is all you need. Think of it as a muscle that needs to be exercised;&nbsp;training your mind to be fully&nbsp;present and cognizant of each moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In times of crises, however, our minds go into overdrive or \u2013 as in the case of languishing \u2013 just go numb. They\u2019re more difficult to train, and staying present and separated from the situation can seem impossible, especially in today\u2019s fast-paced, high-pressure&nbsp;small business&nbsp;culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">We\u2019re here to tell you it\u2019s&nbsp;difficult but&nbsp;not impossible.&nbsp;With a few simple steps, practiced&nbsp;often, you can cultivate mindfulness and deal with the situation of crisis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Let\u2019s get down to it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-5-essential-yet-simple-practices-to-cultivate-mindfulness-in-times-of-crisis\">5 Essential Yet Simple Practices to Cultivate Mindfulness in Times of Crisis in a Small Business Culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-1-practicing-gratitude\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>1.&nbsp;Practicing&nbsp;Gratitude<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Gratitude is a powerful weapon&nbsp;when fighting negativity \u2013 it&#8217;s the one emotion that helps you keep your head above water, ready to welcome the day.&nbsp;A lot of people, experts included, swear by activities such as gratitude journaling to \u2018practice\u2019 gratitude and bring mindfulness to your life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Here are a few ways you can keep this powerful emotion front and center during times of crisis:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-1-gratitude-journaling\">1. <strong>Gratitude&nbsp;Journaling<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Wake up and write 3 things you\u2019re grateful for every morning. As simple as that. It helps you feel the gratitude inside &amp; out!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-2-thank-people\">2. <strong>Thank&nbsp;People<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Express your gratitude to people around you, for any small acts of kindness or simply for being there for you. A simple thank you with a smile, or a thank you note, will make you feel as good as it does them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-3-pass-on-acts-of-kindness\">3. <strong>Pass on Acts of Kindness<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Do small acts of kindness for people within your home.&nbsp;Doing something for others can make you feel brighter about yourself!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-4-volunteer\">4. <strong>Volunteer<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Similar to doing acts of kindness, volunteering your time or effort to those less fortunate than you will help build gratitude and fulfillment in your&nbsp;day-to-day&nbsp;life.&nbsp;Now, you don\u2019t have to step out of the safety of your house, you could do something online.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-5-visualization\">5. <strong>Visualization<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Similar to journaling, but closer to meditation. People often talk about visualizing in your mind\u2019s eye what you want to become reality. Taking a few minutes every morning to visualize the people, experiences, things, etc. that you\u2019re grateful for is a great way to bring your gratitude to the front of your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-6-find-something-to-look-forward-to\">6. <strong>Find Something to Look Forward to<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Whether it\u2019s a breakfast item or a business development,&nbsp;start your day with something to look forward to and be grateful for it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-2-meditation\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>2. Meditation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think \u2018mindfulness\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Meditation is a powerful practice for putting your mind to the moment and leaving your problems and daily distractions aside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">CEOs swear by meditation as a daily practice, and you&#8217;ll find most high-performing CEOs make an early morning, exercise, and meditation a part of their routine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you haven\u2019t tried it before, though, meditation can be a challenging practice \u2013 training your mind to switch off&nbsp;and simply be in the moment isn\u2019t as easy as it seems, and can take time and effort to master. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The biggest incentive, we\u2019ve found, is that you have to&nbsp;<em>want&nbsp;to&nbsp;meditate and be present in the moment<\/em>, to be able to do it successfully.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Here are a few meditation tips and best practices for you to master the art:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-practice-often\">1. <strong>Practice&nbsp;Often<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Once or twice a day for a few minutes is best.&nbsp;Early morning meditation is best to clear your mind in preparation for the day, and a nightly meditation is great to prepare it for a restful sleep.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-start-with-guided-meditations\">2. <strong>Start with&nbsp;Guided&nbsp;Meditations<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">You can try guided meditations to be able to channel and control your thoughts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-find-a-comfortable-spot\">3. <strong>Find a&nbsp;Comfortable&nbsp;Spot<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Experts suggest sitting cross-legged and upright, but that\u2019s not necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">You can even use a backrest, though your head should remain upright without leaning against a surface. Some meditations \u2013 especially nighttime ones \u2013&nbsp;work with a sleeping posture too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-4-focus-on-your-breath\">4. <strong>Focus on&nbsp;Your&nbsp;Breath<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">This is a simple trick that helps you stay in the moment. Focusing on your breath going steadily in and out helps prevent your mind from wandering, as it is bound to do,&nbsp;to begin with.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-be-forgiving\">5. <strong>Be&nbsp;Forgiving<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">You might find it hard to sit still and clear your mind of thoughts in your early days. Don\u2019t beat yourself up about it! Find a comfortable posture, and every&nbsp;time an errant thought comes by, acknowledge it and let it drift away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The more you try not to&nbsp;think of&nbsp;it, the harder it will be.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-3-mindful-eating\" style=\"font-size:22px\">3.<strong> Mindful&nbsp;Eating<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">This one may surprise you, but practicing mindfulness in day-to-day habits that we otherwise take for granted is a powerful way to become more mindful in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Mindful eating essentially means to eat with great attentiveness to your food, without distraction,&nbsp;and with&nbsp;a&nbsp;complete appreciation for what\u2019s on your plate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">It\u2019s a practice that helps bring peace into your life and is,&nbsp;in fact,&nbsp;very useful in treating eating disorders, anxiety,&nbsp;and other such physical &amp; mental challenges.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">As a leader or executive, you\u2019re likely to be scarfing down meals \u2013 especially breakfast and lunch \u2013 without a thought to what you\u2019re eating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Mindful eating helps you slow down and be present in the moment, so you can better&nbsp;train&nbsp;your mind&nbsp;to stay present and separated from the stressful work situation in a crisis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Here are a few tips for eating mindfully:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Begin with a moment of appreciation for the food on your plate \u2013 even if it\u2019s not a meal you enjoy, find one thing to be grateful for!&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Chew slowly \u2013 we usually tend to chew too fast, which doesn\u2019t do wonders for digestion and&nbsp;means we eat more than we need to because we feel full much later than we should.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Eat till you\u2019re 80% full, or till when you\u2019re&nbsp;<em>just&nbsp;<\/em>full&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Eliminate distractions such as the TV, gadgets, etc. &#8211; even if you\u2019re eating alone!&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>As far as you can, eat in silence and keep the between-chews talk to the minimum&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-4-being-a-good-listener\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>4. Being&nbsp;a&nbsp;Good&nbsp;Listener<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In times of crisis, we tend to rush through things,&nbsp;including conversations.&nbsp;As a leader,&nbsp;that means we\u2019re barely listening to what our colleagues have to say as we move through the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In a corporate culture, this can do a lot of harm:&nbsp;as your company moves through a <a href=\"https:\/\/kylas.io\/leadership-growth\/business-resilience-crisis\"><u>time of crisis<\/u><\/a>, employees need to feel heard and acknowledged, and you need to feel like you\u2019re on top of things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Being a good listener will slow things down for you while making you more approachable and understanding in a crisis \u2013 essential for the company to successfully pull through, and for your employees and team members to feel like they can count on you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Here\u2019s what you can do to stay in the moment and be a good listener:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Make it a point to stay in the moment and put aside all other tasks \u2013 no multitasking, responding to emails, etc. while you\u2019re in the middle of a conversation&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>If you need to move your attention to an urgent matter, make sure to excuse yourself for a moment&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Use verbal cues and facial expressions to let the other person know that they\u2019re being understood&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Don\u2019t speak over the other person \u2013 even if you know what they\u2019re trying to say&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Repeat what you hear as a key takeaway so they know they\u2019re being heard&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Be as transparent as you can \u2013 in times of crisis, your hands may be tied in being able to help each and every person. Be transparent about the situation and what can be done.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-5-spend-time-in-nature\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>5.&nbsp;Spend&nbsp;Time in&nbsp;Nature<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In times of crisis, it\u2019s important to take care of yourself first so you can continue to give 100% to your organization. Exercise and nature play a big role here.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">There\u2019s plenty of research that shows that spending time in nature has a positive impact on health and reduces stress, anxiety, and improves our well-being.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/news.cornell.edu\/stories\/2020\/02\/spending-time-nature-reduces-stress-research-finds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\"><u>research from Cornell University<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;for their students showed that as little as 10 minutes does the trick!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Exercising has the same positive impact on health, so why not combine the two? An early morning walk, run or even a few stretches in the part can do wonders for starting the&nbsp;day with a clear mind and on a positive note.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">And while this might seem like more you can do, here are a few ways to get in some healthy time with nature:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li><strong>Step Out First Thing in the Morning<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 you\u2019ll always have slightly cooler air in the morning, and that does the trick for clearing your mind!&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li><strong>Get Any Nature You Can&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 unless you have a park by your house, you might not be able to get in the midst of heavy nature every morning. A tree-lined sidewalk does the trick too!&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li><strong>Start&nbsp;Light&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 if you\u2019re not used to running, don\u2019t aim for a rejuvenating 2K on the first day. Just start with a good brisk stroll a couple of times around the block!&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li><strong>Set&nbsp;Goals&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 Once you\u2019ve gotten started, set small goals that increase the amount of exercise you do progressively&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li><strong>Don\u2019t be&nbsp;Rigid on&nbsp;Time&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 You might get half an hour one day, but an early start may mean only 10 minutes on another. Don\u2019t skip it! Take any few minutes you get to step out amid nature.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-how-to-make-mindfulness-part-of-your-small-business-culture\"><strong><strong>How&nbsp;to&nbsp;Make Mindfulness Part of Your Small Business Culture<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Observe yourself for a couple of weeks. If you find your mindful habits make it easier for you to deal in a time of crisis, why not share the benefits? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Find like-minded people at work who can champion the lifestyle with you, and create a committee that will help employees lead more mindful lives. The best way to help everyone move through a time of crisis is to make mindfulness a part of your small business culture!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Here are a few ways you can make mindfulness a part of your&nbsp;small business culture:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Spread awareness about mindfulness!&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Hold workshops\/activities for practicing acts of mindfulness such as meditation&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Put up attractive posters (if you\u2019re working from&nbsp;the&nbsp;office at the moment) encouraging employees to take a minute away from work, enjoy their meals, feel gratitude, etc.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Bring in plenty of plants to increase green spaces and contact with nature in your workspace&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><li>Champion an open-door policy not only for yourself but for HR &amp; managers at all levels, so employees know they have someone to talk to when they find it hard to cope&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">And that rounds off our list of simple yet essential practices! Mindfulness is far from unachievable, so we hope you feel ready to get started somewhere and make it a part of your life. You\u2019ll see a world of difference in the way you deal during times of crisis!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Have any other tips\/suggestions to practice mindfulness? Let us know in the comments below!&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A recent article&nbsp;New York Times article&nbsp;titled,&nbsp;\u2018There\u2019s a Name for the Blah You\u2019re Feeling: It\u2019s Called Languishing\u2019&nbsp;achieved&nbsp;viral&nbsp;status, catching people\u2019s attention with this apt word for what everyone\u2019s feeling. The article describes languishing as, \u201ca sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you\u2019re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield.&#8221; &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kylas.io\/en\/leadership-culture\/small-business-culture-mindfulness\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;A Small Business Culture Read &#8211; Why is Mindfulness Critical in Times of Crisis?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":14801,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[9,27,59],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/kylas.io\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/PB-Banner-Guide-Images-ONLY-1-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Shagun Sharma","author_link":"https:\/\/kylas.io\/en\/author\/shagun"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Mindfulness in Times of Crisis - A Small Business Culture Guide | Kylas<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We\u2019re here to tell you how to make it through a time of crisis with mindfulness, and how to make practicing mindfulness part of your small business culture!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/kylas.io\/en\/leadership-culture\/small-business-culture-mindfulness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Mindfulness in Times of Crisis - A Small Business Culture Guide | Kylas\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We\u2019re here to tell you how to make it through a time of crisis with mindfulness, and how to make practicing mindfulness part of your small business culture!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/kylas.io\/en\/leadership-culture\/small-business-culture-mindfulness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Kylas Growth Engine | Sales CRM Software for Small businesses\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/kylas.io\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/PB-Banner-Guide-Images-ONLY-1-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Shagun Sharma\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Shagun Sharma\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Mindfulness in Times of Crisis - 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