If you’re a busy manager or high achiever, you are probably all too familiar with stress. Let’s face it,  stress is an unavoidable aspect of life in the fast lane. But what if I told you that a simple mindfulness practice could be the game-changing strategy you need to keep stress at bay and boost your team’s performance? Intrigued? You should be. This isn’t just another fad – it’s backed by science.

Recently, a research study reported in Neuroscience News delved into how mindfulness can significantly reduce stress. And as a manager or team leader, understanding this study could be your golden ticket to a more harmonious and productive workplace. Imagine being able to sleep better. Coming to work happier and more energetic. Working with people who were also thriving, positive and calm. That’s what mindfulness can create for you!

Researchers discovered that being mindful –which involves being fully present and engaged in the moment – can substantially cut down your stress levels. This isn’t just feel-good fluff; the study meticulously tracked individuals practising mindfulness. It  found compelling evidence that mindfulness practice improved participants’ sleep quality and decreased their overall stress levels. Plus, participants reported greater overall feelings of wellbeing.

Now, exactly how was this study conducted?  It was pretty simple. The researchers gathered a diverse group of volunteers. These people weren’t all meditation pros either – they were everyday professionals like you and your team members. They were were taught simple mindfulness exercises, such as mindful breathing and body scan meditations. They were then encouraged to apply these techniques daily. Meanwhile, the researchers tracked their sleep quality and breathing patterns via wearable devices. Self-reported stress data was collected every day, too. And it revealed that people who used mindfulness techniques every day felt more better rested. They also reported less pessimistic thinking than the control group (who were not doing mindfulness exercises).

Think about it: better-rested people are more alert, focused and productive. Plus, lower pessimism levels mean less conflict and higher job satisfaction for everyone. You see, a stressed-out team is like a ticking time bomb – ready to explode at any moment. But a mindful team? They’re the epitome of calm under pressure. So, by encouraging mindfulness, you’re both fostering a healthier work environment and raising your team’s efficiency.

Surprised by how simple this sounds? Indeed, it’s not rocket science. But it is neuroscience. And it can make a tangible difference at work. Make mindfulness a regular part of your workday routine and you’ll soon be repeating the benefits yourself!

To find out more about this study, read the original article here

This article summary was created by Eleanor Shakiba

Eleanor is a leadership trainer, success coach and people skills expert. She helps managers and business owners build thriving teams and organisations, using tools from Positive Psychology. She's trained more than 60,000 people during her career as a corporate trainer and professional development consultant. Her mission is inspiring talented people to become leaders who make a difference.