When it comes to wellbeing and work performance, we all know about the value of physical fitness, but what about fitness of the mind? University of Pennsylvania researchers tested the effectiveness of a mindfulness program with a U.S. military group preparing for deployment to Iraq. They found a positive link between mindfulness training and improvements in mood and working memory. Sounds like something we can all benefit from.
The aim of the eight-week program was to cultivate greater psychological resilience by bolstering mindfulness – the ability to be aware and attentive of the present moment without emotional volatility.
Covering topics relevant to the Marines, the program blended mindfulness skills training with concrete applications for their operational environment. It emphasized integrating regular mindfulness exercises, like focused attention on the breath and mindful movement.
The study, published in the journal Emotion, found that the more time participants spent engaging in daily mindfulness exercises the better their mood and ability to engage in complex thought processes, problem solving and manage their emotions (something they call working memory). The study also suggests that sufficient mindfulness practice may protect against becoming ill due to high-stress, challenging situations.
Given the high rate of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental-health disturbances suffered by those returning from war, providing such training prior to deployment may buffer against potential lifelong psychological illness by bolstering mood and working memory capacity. But employees in the military are not the only ones who can benefit.
Amishi Jha, cognitive neuroscientist and lead researcher, Department of Psychology and Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Penn said,
“Our findings suggest that, just as daily physical exercise leads to physical fitness, engaging in mindfulness exercises on a regular basis may improve mind-fitness. Building mind-fitness with mindfulness training may help anyone who must maintain peak performance in the face of extremely stressful circumstances, from first responders, relief workers and trauma surgeons, to professional and Olympic athletes.”
And I would add: social workers, teachers, health care workers, public servants . . .
Mindfulness is about paying attention on purpose. Noticing in a non-judgmental way. Being present. Living in the moment. Being aware. In my next blog, I will share an excerpt about being mindful from my book: Rethinking Your Work: Getting to the Heart of What Matters.
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Val Kinjerski, PhD, is a leading authority in the field of employee engagement and on the topic of “spirit at work.” A consultant, agent of change and professional speaker, she helps companies and organizations increase employee retention and boost productivity by reigniting employees’ love for their work. Check out her Spirit at Work Program and Inspired Leadership training at www.kaizensolutions.org. Val is the author of Rethinking Your Work and Rethinking Your Work Guidebook. Available now at www.rethinkingyourwork.com.
