Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a core concept of Optimal Work and the second of the three primary steps that bring somebody into full engagement with a task. Mindfulness is very simply defined as the ability to hold one’s attention in the present moment.

Mindful Attention

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According to the model of OptimalWork, successfully reframing a task takes one out of limbic attention and into mindful attention. In limbic attention, one is caught in a misplaced "fight or flight" mode, with the brain's executive function attenuated and the mind reactive and distractible. In mindful attention, on the other hand, the limbic system is turned down in favor of the more deliberate functions of the brain. When mindful, the brain carries out executive tasks more effectively and is less responsive to distracting auditory, visual, and mental cues.

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References

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This article has great references for recent literature on mindfulness, reframing (reappraisal), rumination and worry. Total support. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6418017/

An important study from 2013: Desrosiers A., Vine V., Klemanski D. H., Nolen-Hoeksema S. (2013). Mindfulness and emotion regulation in depression and anxiety: common and distinct mechanisms of action. Depress. Anxiety 30 654–661. 10.1002/da.22124 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4012253/

Also: Burg J. M., Michalak J. (2011). The healthy quality of mindful breathing: Associations with rumination and depression. Cogn. Ther. Res. 35 179–185. 10.1007/s10608-010-9343-x https://idp.springer.com/authorize/casa?redirect_uri=https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10608-010-9343-x.pdf&casa_token=FPU_VUoowGwAAAAA:OmyRHtDmP4n0-m5-APlFOWgLH7snvEFbiCOp6RR9K0h7p0r5L_E0CUlwMQakVqcmNQMl5ErGaocRHno

Coffey K. A., Hartman M., Fredrickson B. L. (2010). Deconstructing mindfulness and constructing mental health: understanding mindfulness and its mechanisms of action. Mindfulness 1 235–253. 10.1007/s12671-010-0033-2 https://idp.springer.com/authorize/casa?redirect_uri=https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12671-010-0033-2.pdf&casa_token=pjR48-uxiQ4AAAAA:sksAbk4SsTu_ChxLqdF7uRUkEsZVx9YDsrTLR93K-B-jk-aUCwFXtAb_10YR61tP9gliNoJQigZ0cpw https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4012253/