Running A Business

How Meditation Can Unlock Workplace Creativity

Aug 25, 2018 • 3 min read
Coworkers practicing meditation
Table of Contents

      Meditation has taken a more prominent place in the business world as industry giants like Google, Goldman Sachs, and Medtronic have introduced meditation and mindfulness practices into their employees’ work routines.

      Of course, mindful meditation is not only a useful tool for employees, it’s also a viable way to help increase your creativity and focus as an entrepreneur—two things you definitely need to be successful.

      Stephanie Denning, engagement manager at Strategy&, decided to incorporate meditation into her daily work routine. She says, “the benefits have been equally pronounced in my personal and professional lives.” She continues by explaining that those who write meditation off as “New Age hoo-ha” are missing out on powerful personal benefits.

      To make the benefits of meditation a bit more tangible to the general public, the Harvard Business Review conducted a study wherein 129 participants were divided into three groups and assigned the task of coming up with business ideas that make use of drones.

      Of the three groups, only one was taken through a 10-minute guided meditation before brainstorming. The results of the experiment were fascinating.

      Meditators demonstrated:

      • 22% wider range of ideas
      • 23% decrease in restlessness
      • 17% decrease in nervousness
      • 24% decrease in irritation

      Research has also shown that regular meditation boosts adaptability, helping you mitigate stress, regulate emotions, and have a more positive outlook.

      According to Elizabeth and Sukey Novogratz, authors of the book Just Sit: A Meditation Guidebook for People Who Know They Should But Don’t, meditation has tangible effects on the brain:

      “Meditation increases the cortical thickness in the hippocampus, which runs the memory as well as the ability to learn new things. It helps with long term memory, which aids you with everything from giving a presentation to closing a sale to remembering your boss’ husband’s birthday. This part of the brain is also where Alzheimer’s wreaks havoc, so a daily practice will do much more than assist you at the office.”

      Clearly, meditation is a practice that should be incorporated into the workplace. The benefits speak for themselves. It’s important to note that there are many kinds of meditation, but the kind most prominent in business success is mindfulness meditation, which encourages a more active and controlled thought process during the meditation.

      Meditation apps like Headspace, Calm, or buddhify are a great place for you to learn the ropes of meditation.

      Daily meditative practices will likely continue to gain traction in workplaces across the globe. The only real decision left is when to get on board.

      About the author
      Andrew Mosteller

      Andrew Mosteller is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Lendio News. His upbringing in an entrepreneurial family nurtured a passion for small business at a young age. Andrew's father, an equity fund manager, taught him the ins and outs of investment financing. Now, Andrew spends his time writing copy for business owners, helping them expand and advertise their unique brands. He's also studying Strategic Communications at the University of Utah. When Andrew's fingers aren't glued to the keyboard, he spends his time reading, podcasting, composing music, and bombing down the ski slopes.

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