NEW YORK: Do you have trouble dealing with work-related stress? According to one study, practicing a form of silent meditation at your workplace can lead to significant improvements in emotional intelligence as well as perceived stress.
The study found that those who meditated more regularly had a higher emotional quotient and perceived lower perceived stress, also called psychological stress – the most common workplace health problems among workers worldwide.
They also showed improvements in general mood, stress management, adaptability, intrapersonal awareness and reality testing.
This indicates that emotional intelligence has a moderating effect on psychological well-being and mental health, the researchers said.
"This study demonstrates the benefits of workplace meditation," said Lawrence Valosek, executive director of the Center for Wellness and Achievement in Education – a US-based non-profit organization.
"And with a growing body of research on the value of emotional intelligence and the detrimental effects of psychological stress, organizations are looking to give their employees tools to reduce stress and develop skills like centering, awareness of self and empathy, "he added.
The study, published in the journal The Permanente Journal, included nearly 100 staff from the central office.
Say goodbye to worries: 5 natural ways to beat stress
Simple anti-stress hacks
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A recent Optum study found that 46% of the Indian workforce said they were suffering from a form of stress. Do not let your busy and stressful work life hurt you. Excessive stress can have a negative effect on your body, your mood and your behaviors, from headaches to anxiety, fatigue and irritability. Dr. Hariprasad, expert in Ayurveda at Himalaya Drug, shares the natural methods of coping with stress:
Eat well
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Your eating habits have a significant impact on stress levels. It is essential to balance different foods and nutrients. A diet rich in different foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products, fish and poultry would help you get carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. A well-nourished body is better able to cope with the physical and emotional effects of stress.
Relax with physical activity
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All forms of physical activity are useful for managing stress. Exercise has many benefits, such as release of endorphins and calming of the mind, which helps reduce the level of stress. Even 45 minutes of physical activity a day contribute greatly to stress management.
Organize your life
July 19, 2018
Organizing your workload creates a sense of control and peace of mind, and there are many ways to achieve it. One way to do this is to adopt time management, prioritize tasks, and schedule their execution. Changing tasks and stacking them often becomes an additional source of stress. Decentralizing tasks or asking for help as needed is also a good way to reduce stress levels.
Use herbs in the daily diet
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Herbs like Ashwagandha have been shown to be effective in managing the negative effects of stress. According to Ayurveda, Ashvagandha helps reduce the harmful effects of long-term stress by rejuvenating the mind and body. It is an adaptogen that helps the body stabilize physiological processes, better withstand stress and maintain a healthy balance between various biological systems.
The team found that for a period of four months, those who practiced transcendental meditation – a form of silent meditation – had found a significant improvement in emotional intelligence and perceived stress compared to the witnesses.
Research has highlighted the role of emotional intelligence and perceived stress as important factors associated with mental and physical health and organizational effectiveness.
According to the World Health Organization, psychological stress negatively affects organizational commitment, commitment to work and productivity, while contributing to poor physical and mental health.
Emotional intelligence has attracted considerable attention to the workplace because of its positive association with physical and mental health and its connection to leadership ability and performance.
