The majority of my work day is spent sitting on a chair in front of a computer screen pounding out software code. It is mentally taxing work, and work that frankly I’m finding more stressful than rewarding lately. As the day rolls on I feel my body and mind winding tighter and tighter. Though it isn’t physically taxing work I still leave feeling tired and drained and with little energy or motivation left for the things that are most important to me.
My early morning practice of meditation and mantras is helpful, but too often the grounding and clarity I feel then has evaporated by lunch time. Mindfully eating my mid day meal is a great way to detach from the stress of work and return to mental clarity and focus. Choosing to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n and be fully present for the meal results in benefits beyond my initial expectations.
- I enjoy the food I am eating more
- I am more selective in the foods I choose to eat
- I feel genuinely satisfied after only a fraction of what I used to eat for lunch
- My mind has had a rest and is ready for more.
I’ll probably be posting a lot more about this later, but for now, just give it a shot. The real key is just to slow down and think about what you are doing while you are doing it. Keep your focus as close to the food and process of eating it as you can.