Shikha S., a mindfulness and yoga coach, has carved a unique path from her days in a corporate job to becoming a guide for those seeking balance and presence in their lives. Her journey is an inspiring testament to how mindfulness can transform not only your professional success but also your entire outlook on life. For Shikha S., the shift didn’t happen overnight; it was a series of small, intentional steps that led her to discover her calling.
Shikha S. recalls how often she’s been asked the question: “How did you discover your calling while being in a 9-5 job?” Every time she hears it, she smiles and is transported back to her own journey. She loved her corporate job, yet there was always a feeling that something was missing—an intangible sense that there was something more. This “more” wasn’t about escaping the corporate grind; it was about enhancing her life, and it turned out to be mindfulness.
Shikha S. started with a simple question that sparked her transformation: “How can I bring more presence into my day?” This curiosity set her on a path of small, practical experiments that eventually led her to mindfulness and yoga coaching. For Shikha S., the shift began with incorporating mindfulness into her daily work routine.
She discovered what she now calls “Shikha’s 9-5 Mindfulness Hacks.” These simple practices allowed her to stay grounded, focused, and energized throughout the day. For instance, she implemented stand-and-stretch app alerts—hourly reminders to improve her posture and refresh her energy levels. These tiny interventions made her corporate life more vibrant and kept her in tune with her body and mind.
Shikha S. also began incorporating desk meditation during coffee breaks, turning what could have been a rush of caffeine into moments of calm and clarity. Even bathroom breaks became an opportunity for mindfulness as she used micro-stretches to remain centered amidst a busy workday.
Beyond office hours, Shikha S. found ways to recharge through her “5-9 & Weekend Recharge Rituals.” She joined her office’s sports club, finding joy and connection through badminton, and even made the switch from late-night Netflix to bedtime reading, which improved her sleep and sparked new creative ideas. These rituals weren’t just about relaxation; they fed back into her professional life, enhancing her productivity and focus at work.
Shikha S. also embraced solo adventures, drawing inspiration from Julia Cameron’s “Artist’s Date.” These outings were more than just a way to unwind; they nurtured her creativity and taught her to enjoy her own company. Additionally, she enrolled in creative workshops like theater and writing classes, which surprisingly improved her presentation and report-writing skills, showing that mindfulness can foster unexpected professional development.
As Shikha S. deepened her mindfulness practice, others began to notice. Colleagues would comment, “You seem different—more present.” This was the moment when Shikha S. realized the full impact of mindfulness. It wasn’t just transforming her; it was subtly influencing those around her. This realization marked the beginning of her transition from a mindfulness-curious corporate professional to a mindfulness coach.
Shikha S. didn’t just find a way to thrive in her corporate job; she discovered that personal growth and professional success are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are beautifully intertwined. She learned that nurturing your inner self can lead to greater success in the outer world. For Shikha S., mindfulness wasn’t about leaving behind her corporate career; it was about enhancing her work, her life, and her relationships with those around her.
Today, as a mindfulness and yoga coach, Shikha S. helps others find their own path to mental peace and fulfillment. She understands that everyone’s journey will look different, and that’s the beauty of it. The key, as Shikha S. emphasizes, is to stay curious and find what resonates with you. Whether it’s incorporating small moments of mindfulness into a busy day or embarking on creative adventures outside of work, there are endless ways to bring more presence into your life.
For Shikha S., her story is a reminder that the corporate world and personal well-being don’t have to be at odds. Her life and career are proof that mindfulness can enrich every aspect of who we are and what we do. Whether you’re in a 9-5 job or exploring new ventures, Shikha S. encourages you to ask the same question that sparked her transformation: “How can I bring more presence into my day?”
Shikha S.’s journey is an invitation to explore mindfulness in your own life, to cultivate presence and balance, and to discover how small, intentional actions can lead to profound transformations.
