Sarah Matyko, PhD’s Post

When you look under the cover of Mindfulness Practice, you begin to discover the profound nuance and somewhat counterintuitive nature of how being present, even for discomfort and pain, is the portal to ease and relief. https://buff.ly/3MFBsuh #mbsr #mindfulness #meditation #chronicpain #burnout

There is ample evidence that interoception can be trained and that improving it can benefit our mental health. One study found that taking several months of yoga classes taught with an emphasis on interoceptive awareness led to improvements in sustained attention when compared with taking more typical yoga classes. #Wellness https://lnkd.in/gDWXdutD

🔍 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 “𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐦” (2021) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬 🔍 I recently revisited a 2021 Scientific American article titled "The Science of Spiritual Narcissism." Written when mindfulness was at its height of popularity, the article suggests that some individuals may develop a sense of superiority through these practices. While there are valid points, it’s important to differentiate between using mindfulness for enlightenment or spirituality—which is completely fine for those who choose that lifestyle—and its practical application in today’s fast-paced business world. In sales and high-pressure roles, most professionals aren’t seeking “enlightenment” through mindfulness. Instead, they’re looking for tools that help them stay focused, reduce stress, and maintain resilience under constant pressure. The data backs this up. Research from Harvard, Stanford, and the APA confirms that even 15-30 minutes of mindfulness daily can significantly boost mental health and productivity: A Harvard study found that 8 weeks of mindfulness improves emotional regulation, focus, and well-being. The APA notes that mindfulness reduces anxiety and depression, enhancing decision-making and resilience. Stanford University research shows mindfulness boosts cognitive function, critical for clear thinking in high-stakes settings. Mindfulness can be a lifestyle, and for many, it is. However, it’s also a practical tool for business professionals. It helps regain focus, manage stress, and improve emotional balance. A few minutes of mindfulness before a meeting or after a tough sales call can keep people grounded and effective. The article warns of narcissism, but those using mindfulness for performance enhancement fit well in competitive environments. Narcissism is already present in many Western businesses. The difference is that mindfulness helps redirect ambition toward compassionate leadership and focused, sustainable performance. Mindfulness in business is a clear ROI. It’s not about enlightenment—it’s about mental clarity and productivity. For professionals in high-pressure roles, that’s exactly the edge needed. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gRT_XZS3 #MindfulnessAtWork #MentalHealth #BusinessWellbeing #FocusAndResilience #GrowthMindset

mindfulness requires effort. And in periods of substantial or prolonged stress, people may lack the mental energy to effectively engage in self-calming techniques. In line with that, one study found that people struggle with mindfulness techniques when they lack quality sleep. Another factor to consider is what researchers call the “mindfulness paradox.” Although being present and aware can be incredibly helpful in many situations, it may actually backfire during extended periods of adversity. When your present reality is bleak and shows no signs of immediate improvement, too much focus on the “now” might leave you feeling stuck or overwhelmed. If you’re constantly aware of how bad things are, without any belief that they can get better, it’s hard to find the motivation to keep going.

As it turns out, hope is a strategy. And a really good one! “Many researchers view mindfulness as a metacognitive process, that is, something that enables people to consciously monitor and modulate their attention, emotions and behaviors to attend to the current moment in an open and curious, nonjudgmental way. Hope, meanwhile, functions as a future-oriented state that helps people to reflect on one’s perceived ability to generate pathways around challenges. When researchers pooled together data from 23 other studies of mindfulness in the workplace, they discovered that even though this mindset helped people with anxiety and distress in general, it did not have clear benefits for problems such as job-related burnout. Meanwhile, when you’re facing a prolonged, difficult situation—whether it’s unemployment, a health crisis or any other major life challenge—actively working to maintain hope can be a powerful coping strategy. Much as people are encouraged to practice mindfulness, they can also benefit from cultivating hope. This doesn’t mean indulging in blind optimism but rather having belief that things can improve, coupled with the motivation to work toward that improvement.” While mindfulness has its benefits, during high-stress times, a hopeful outlook can be more beneficial by motivating individuals to envision a brighter future and actively pursue goals! https://lnkd.in/exiBJ-cS #coaching #wellbeing #performance #peakperformance #emotionalintelligence #emotionalregulation #hopeisastrategy #hope

For Search Inside Yourself enthusiasts & teachers… Serena Chen of the infamous Breines Chen self-compassion study we highlight in SIY is on a fantastic Ten Percent Happier podcast with Dan Harris. She talks about the study we all learned + latest on Self-Compassion research + difference between self-compassion and self-esteem. SO MANY GOOD THINGS! Highly recommend. #mindfulness #emotionalintelligence #searchinsideyourself #mindfulness #selfcompassion

Journaling is a simple yet profound tool to help deepen your self-awareness to understand what really makes you tick. My latest post explores just how transformative journaling can be. https://lnkd.in/g4nPfDvk

Millions worldwide practice mindfulness meditation to enhance their general well-being, reduce stress, and boost productivity at work. Check out this interesting article on how advanced meditation alters consciousness and our basic sense of self: https://lnkd.in/gtdHTE29

Advanced Meditation Alters Consciousness and Our Basic Sense of Self https://lnkd.in/eXD9Mfzz

Advanced meditation alters consciousness and basic sense of self https://loom.ly/ls4ccKI