Diana Luke is a mindfulness expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. As well as running mindfulness workshops for large corporate businesses she's also a BBC radio presenter and international producer. After meeting Diana Luke, the silky, soft, compassionate tones in her voice give you an instant feeling of calm. It's easy to tell why her Mindfulness workshops are so popular and have a successful track record. The outcome of her workshops means improved employee morale, enhanced focus and a happier, productive and more efficient workforce. I sat down with Diana Luke to ask her thoughts on the mindfulness trend and why it's become increasingly important, here's what she had to say:
Why has mindfulness become an increasingly important topic in the workplace?
According to the HSE from the Government it's reported that 11.7 million working days were lost in 2016 due to work related stress, depression and anxiety. Work related stress accounts for 37% work related ill health and 45% of days were lost in 2016 due to stress in the workplace. The stresses are related to a number of reasons including workload, tight deadlines, too much work and pressure. It's rapidly growing and I'm seeing more employers driving forward their wellness programs in 2017. Mindfulness is a great way to improve team building in the workplace with workshops been requested by clients to help team bonding dynamics and boost individual morale.
What is mindfulness in the workplace?
Applying mindfulness in the workplace is about interacting positively with colleagues and creating a revitalised culture. It's about combating a negative mindset, self-critical thoughts and feelings of underlying anxiety and in some cases depression. It'll result in a happier, focused, more productive workforce which is beneficial to employees, clients and the overall bottom line. Practising mindfulness in the workplace increases morale, enhances focus, improves communication and provides better interpersonal management.
Do you have any tips for reducing stress?
A few tips include finding a few minutes each day to completely call your own - to breathe and relax your body and mind. This can be tricky in a busy working environment, perhaps take time out on your break to regain control and focus. It's important to remind yourself that you're more than your negative thoughts, you have a choice to give them energy or move away from them. Try to focus on breathing and repeating the words “I am calm, I am confident and everything is in my controlâ€
Eating and drinking is becoming less about nutrition and more about comfort and escapism. An important tip is to become mindful and choosing foods that will give you energy to tackle the busiest of days. Another technique I like to ask from clients suffering with depression includes asking them to write a journal every night before going to sleep and listing 3 reasons to be thankful. As the list grows the mindset of the individual begins to shift and lift from negative thoughts and patterns.
What kind of workshops do you offer?
I've delivered a range of mindfulness workshops with Off Limits Events including Balanced Bites, Health in Mind and Stress Buster Sessions. Each session will help clients develop calmness, confidence and self-control. I also offer a number of workshops on public speaking and building confidence which can be applied directly to individuals in the workplace.
I was overwhelmed by Diana's skill for creating a soothing, harmonious environment in the Off Limits session. The workshop helped calm my mind and any anxious thoughts after a stressful morning. The session helped me become fully relaxed and reenergised, ready to tackle the working day with a more focused, positive energy.
Diana Luke's workshops are truly captivating and a great instrument in combating the rise of depression and anxiety in society. There is no doubt Diana Luke's mindfulness techniques will continue to transform business culture and individuals for the better, we can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
