Mindfulness practices
5 mindfulness techniques for a more productive day
By Eleanor Vance
Published: 17 May 2025
5 Mindfulness Techniques for a More Productive Day
woman meditating at sunrise | Image: Supplied
1. The Mindful Morning Brew
Query: woman mindfully making coffee in the morning
Okay, so, picture this: You stumble out of bed, half-asleep, and head straight for the coffee machine. Sound familiar? But what if you slowed down just a bit? Instead of mindlessly pressing buttons, try focusing on each step of the process. Feel the warmth of the mug in your hands. Inhale the rich aroma of the coffee beans. Listen to the gentle gurgle of the brewing coffee. It’s kind of a ritual, if you think about it.
I actually started doing this a few months ago. I used to rush through my morning coffee, barely tasting it. Now, I take a few extra minutes to savor each sip, and I swear, I feel more grounded and ready to tackle the day. Try it – it’s like a mini-meditation before the chaos begins. Even if you make tea, the idea is the same!
woman mindfully making coffee in the morning | Image: Supplied
2. Breathe & Re-center, Anytime, Anywhere
Query: person taking a deep breath in a stressful office environment
Okay, next up is something you can do literally anywhere, anytime, like when you are stuck in traffic, or just before a big meeting. It's called breath awareness. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or distracted, simply pause and focus on your breath. Feel the air entering and leaving your body. Notice the rise and fall of your chest. It's okay if your mind wanders – just gently guide your attention back to your breath.
There was this one time I was about to give a presentation and I was so nervous that I thought I was going to faint. I actually locked myself in the bathroom for 5 minutes and focused on my breath. Trust me, those few minutes made a huge difference. It helped me calm down, focus, and deliver a presentation I was proud of.
person taking a deep breath in a stressful office environment | Image: Supplied
3. Single-Tasking Zen
Query: woman focused on a single task at her desk
Multi-tasking is a myth, people! I used to think I was a pro at juggling multiple tasks at once, but then I realized I was just doing a mediocre job at everything. Enter single-tasking. Instead of trying to do everything at once, pick one task and give it your full attention. No distractions, no notifications, just you and the task at hand.
Try closing all those unnecessary tabs and turning off the notifications on your phone. You might be surprised at how much more efficient you become when you’re not constantly switching between tasks. I now try to give each work it's due time. What about you?
woman focused on a single task at her desk | Image: Supplied
4. Mindful Movement Breaks
Query: woman stretching during a break from work
Sitting at a desk all day can really drain your energy and do a number on your body. That's why incorporating mindful movement breaks into your routine is so important. Take a few minutes every hour to stretch, walk around, or do some simple yoga poses. Pay attention to how your body feels. Release any tension you might be holding onto.
I actually have a little yoga routine I do in my office whenever I need a break. Nothing fancy – just some simple stretches to get my blood flowing and release tension in my shoulders and neck. It’s amazing how much more focused and energized I feel afterwards.
woman stretching during a break from work | Image: Supplied
5. Gratitude Journaling
Query: woman writing in a gratitude journal
Last but definitely not least, let's talk about gratitude. Taking a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for can have a profound impact on your overall well-being and productivity. Write down three things you're grateful for in a journal, or simply take a few moments to appreciate the good things in your life.
When I had some health problems in the past, I started keeping a gratitude journal a couple of years back, and it’s been a game-changer. Even on the toughest days, I can always find something to be grateful for. It shifts my focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant, and that makes a huge difference in my mood and motivation.
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woman writing in a gratitude journal | Image: Supplied
