110 Chapter 5 cognition (Nijstad et al., 2010; Ward et al., 1999). Therefore, the current research aims to focus on an alternative mechanism underlying the link between proactive vitality management and creativity by investigating the role of mindfulness. A State of Mindfulness Mindfulness can be defined as a state of “attention to and awareness of present events and experiences” (Brown et al., 2007, p. 212), and can be contrasted with states and feelings of carelessness, mind wandering, and being on automatic pilot (cf. Brown & Ryan, 2003). The body of literature on mindfulness is quite extensive and comprises various streams of research, including Eastern literature and philosophy, clinical psychological research, and, more recently, studies on the role of mindfulness within organizations (for a review, see Good et al., 2016). Overall, research suggests that ‘being mindful’ is positively related to favorable personal and professional outcomes. For example, a recent meta-analysis (Mesmer-Magnus et al., 2017) indicates that trait mindfulness relates positively to mental health, emotional regulation and confidence, and relates negatively to stress. Moreover, trait mindfulness relates positively to higher job satisfaction and performance, and negatively to burnout and work withdrawal. Various studies have also shown a positive association between trait mindfulness and mental and physical well-being (e.g., Brown & Ryan, 2003; Mesmer-Magnus et al., 2017). In addition, even though studies on state mindfulness are relatively scarce, Brown and Ryan (2003) found that people felt more positive during states of mindfulness within the day. Theoretically, mindfulness may help people to feel healthier – both physically and mentally –especially when practiced regularly. However, higher levels of physical and mental energy may also, subsequently, help people to be more mindful and direct their attention towards present events and experiences (cf. Hülsheger et al., 2018; Tuckey et al., 2018). In line with this, we argue that proactive vitality management may relate to the emergence of a mindful state in more ways than one. Proactive vitality management involves an intentional, goal-driven process in which individuals manage valuable resources to achieve work goals by promoting favorable physical and mental states. On the days a person uses more proactive vitality management, they may have a higher capacity to be mindful. First of all, the cognitive resources generated or freed up by proactive vitality management – e.g., by taking the initiative to listen to relaxing music or by intentionally going for a walk to clear one’s
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