Be mindful of everything you do. When you are with a patient (anyone), focus only on that patient for that time and be more aware of every aspect of him or her. To be mindful is to be truly alive and present with those around you and with what you are doing. Even routine tasks can become a meditation of sorts. To help yourself stay mindful here are some tips and tricks we recommend!
Have a positive morning mantra. Start every morning with positive thoughts. Remind yourself of all that you have to be grateful for and what you plan on achieving in your day, year and life. Write down a positive mantra and leave it where you will see it when you wake up.
Accept What You Can’t Change. Acceptance lies at the heart of mindfulness. To be mindful means to accept this present moment just as it is. And it means to accept yourself, just as you are now. It doesn’t mean resignation or giving up. But it does mean acknowledging the truth of how things are at this time before trying to change anything.
Remember to Breath. As you work through your day keep some focus on your breathing. Try to be aware of each breath in and out, even as you do other things. Deep, aware breathing helps to align your physical and mental states. If you are aware of your breath, you are aware of the present moment.
Make Stress Your Friend. Research shows that people experiencing high levels of stress but who believed that stress was good for them had among the lowest mortality rates. The next time you’re facing a challenge at work, respond to your stress creatively rather than negatively. Be grateful that the stress response is energizing you.
What do you do to help yourself stay mindful and focused on your patients and work?