What are Mindfulness and Psychological Mechanisms? Examples of companies that have implemented it and NTT's efforts

Many of you have probably heard of mindfulness, which has been gaining attention in recent years as being important for the wellbeing of today's stressful population.

People today, prone to various worries at work and in their private lives, believe that it is important to look at themselves with a focus on mindfulness.

In this article we will explain mindfulness and the psychological mechanisms related to it.
　We will also touch on mindfulness initiatives at NTT, so please take a look at this article for reference.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the state of being focused on the "here and now."

We usually seem to be living in the present moment, but in fact most of the time we are thinking about the past or the future, and are not in a state of mindfulness. In particular, the more we think negatively about past mistakes and future concerns, the more time we tend to occupy with these thoughts.

Mindfulness is about getting out of this state of "mindlessness" and creating a state where the mind is focused on the "now."

It also fosters an attitude of acceptance, rather than condemnation of situations and feelings. It is believed that by doing so, we can improve our tolerance and empathy for ourselves and others.
　Mindfulness is said to have a variety of mental and physical health benefits, such as reducing stress, controlling emotions, improving concentration, and improving interpersonal relationships, and is often incorporated into psychotherapy and stress management programs.

What are Psychological Mechanisms?

Psychological mechanisms are defense mechanisms that are important for the stability of the human mind.
　The human mind is equipped with defense mechanisms to reduce mental strain when sad or painful events occur.

When the defense mechanisms of the mind function properly, stress can be reduced.

The defense mechanism of the mind in psychological mechanisms is a concept conceived by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud.

It was subsequently developed by various experts and is now thought of as the current psychological mechanism.

If we continue to be under mental stress, there is a possibility of a mental breakdown, but the defense mechanism works to maintain mental stability.
　However, in some cases it is better to face the situation. It therefore does not seem to be always beneficial to have the defense mechanism working at every moment.

Examples of companies that have implemented mindfulness

In recent years, there has been an increasing effort to instill mindfulness in employees of all sizes of companies, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations.

Some companies are providing employees with opportunities for mindfulness through training that incorporates mindfulness, while others are implementing mindfulness not as a training program, but as a club activity.
　For example, some companies have equipped a meditation room within the company, so that employees can refresh themselves appropriately when their concentration is interrupted after a long day of computer work. Some companies are offering yoga classes and allowing employees to meditate during working hours.

Mindfulness Initiatives at NTT

What is "awareness of what is" in mindfulness meditation? --Psychological, Physiological, and Neural Mechanisms of Mindfulness Meditation
https://journal.ntt.co.jp/article/22755 (Japanese-language article)

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