We all talk about workplace stress management. But how can brain science help us to achieve stress management in the workplace? There increasingly is evidence that various relaxation techniques for stress can help us concentrate and focus better, strengthen our brains, and reduce age-related brain atrophy These consequently influence company success factors such as increased workplace productivity. Strategies for reducing stress include meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation. In the last few years, there have been a number of research studies, predominantly with meditators. The results have shown that meditators developed stronger connections between different regions of their brains and showed fewer signs of brain atrophy of white matter tissue, critical for brain connectivity. Additional recent studies noted that individuals who practiced mindfulness meditation for one half hour per day for just eight weeks had changes in gray matter density in the hippocampus, an area associated with memory, as well as in the amygdala, associated with stress. In other posts, I previously have reported that increasing activity in the caudal anterior cingulate cortex, in the frontal area of our brain, has been associated with more brain activity for those characterized with a growth mindset as described by Dr. Carol Dwieck of Stanford University. Finally, in an article in the LA Times in 2013 titled "Mindful Management", author Robin Rauzi noted the existence of Executive Mind classes in the MBA program at the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. Meditation and the power of attention are taught as core skills for leaders and managers. She also observed that multiple mainstream companies such as Google and General Mills have in-house programs to increase mindful approaches and credit such with increasing their productivity.
Given the above, it should be clear that we need not wait for the company retreat to reduce our stress and burn-out. Most such retreats involve time for self-contemplation, relaxation, meditation. Perhaps leaders, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and network marketers might planfully and proactively promote such strategies in the work environment. They all involve a focusing of one's attention, breathing, visual imagery, emotions, and bodily sensations. These strategies can help to increase workplace performance as well as make us feel better about ourselves and our lives in general. My team at Success and Mindset Group leads in the integration of leadership, organization development, and brain science to the end of enhancing leadership, improving team cohesion, reducing workplace stress, and increasing productivity. For more information go to my website at www.successandmindset.com. Change your thoughts and change your results.