NEWS SIDEBAR:  The many ways to take a break at work

c. 1997 Religion News Service UNDATED _ Experts recommend an array of techniques to help employees”entrain”their over-stressed nerves to a rhythmic pace more conducive to peace of mind: _ Stephan Rechtschaffen says it is through practicing”mindfulness”during the little pauses in everyday life _ the time, for example, it takes for one’s computer to boot up, […]

c. 1997 Religion News Service

UNDATED _ Experts recommend an array of techniques to help employees”entrain”their over-stressed nerves to a rhythmic pace more conducive to peace of mind:

_ Stephan Rechtschaffen says it is through practicing”mindfulness”during the little pauses in everyday life _ the time, for example, it takes for one’s computer to boot up, during the drive to and from work, or waiting by the fax machine _ that inner calm is strengthened.


Just like the whirling dervish who spins around an inner pole of absolute stillness, he says, so those surrounded by the swirl of activity at work can”find peacefulness in the eye of the storm by choosing not to give way to chaos. For example, if a person is on the way to an urgent meeting and has to wait for the elevator, instead of nervously tapping their foot or impatiently thinking ahead, they can close their eyes for two beats and just breathe.” _ Krista Kurth, in the courses she teaches in the graduate management program at the University of Maryland, says she counsels students to take five or 10 minutes of quiet time for themselves at the beginning, middle and end of each work day.

Concentrating on the ebb and flow of one’s breath, while silently repeating the rosary, favorite prayer or Buddhist mantra, she says, are time-honored ways to steady the soul. Inspirational quotes and reminders, as well as desktop pictures of nature, are others way to feel centered.

_ Leo Galland says if one’s workday is too hectic to allow for even a few minutes of calm, then it is important to build in periods of reflection before and after work.”Park the car at the end of the lot,”he says,”and use the extra 10 minutes to walk to work. Bring a Walkman and listen to soothing music that is calming and beautiful. Getting exercise early in the day is a good stress reliever that can carry someone through the day.” Finally, in order to prevent bringing tension home from work, Galland recommends spending 15 to 20 minutes in”meditation, prayer or contemplation”before leaving the office, which can also help prevent sleeplessness caused by anxieties around work.

MJP END PEAY

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