You spend a large chunk of your life at work, so it’s only natural to want that time to be as happy as possible. Sadly, for millions of people, this is not the case. Depending on the research you’re reading, it can be as many as 50% of employees are unhappy at work. If you’re one of those who dread Monday mornings, you’ll be pleased to learn there are some things you can do that will make your working day a little brighter. Being unhappy at work can have a profound effect on your performance. It will also impact on the communication with other members on your team and increase your stress levels. Enjoying what you do and being paid well for it is the most obvious factors to aim for. However, there are other changes you can make in your daily routine from which you can benefit.
Start Your Day in a Positive Way
How you start your day will affect the way you feel for the rest of the day, not just the time you spend at work. Ever heard the saying “waking up on the wrong side of the bed”? Studies show that how you feel first thing in the morning will impact on your performance at work. What can you do about it? Think about your routine and try to do things differently. For example, are you the kind of person who runs around frantically getting ready for the day ahead? Why don’t you get things organized the night before? Alternatively, wake up a quarter of an hour earlier, so you’ve got more time. Take five minutes out and savor your morning coffee and healthy breakfast. Enjoy a five-minute walk in the fresh air before you sit down at your desk.
All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy
Take a moment to analyze your week. Do you spend more time working than anything else? All work and no play will not make you a happy person. There are some jobs which demand a lot of your time. However, there may be something you can do to change this. For example, would it be possible for you to work from home some of the time? Try not to work at the weekends, as this is when you should be enjoying the company of family and friends. Taking time out at the weekend will ensure your batteries are charged for the week ahead.
Stay Motivated
A sense of accomplishment is important if you want to be happy. You should be able to feel yourself moving forward and making progress that means something to you. While you’re traveling to work, think about three things you’d like to achieve that day. Write them down before you do anything else at work. As you complete them, cross them off, and at the end of the day, you’ll be able to look at the list and know you’ve achieved something. If your job involves working on large projects, it can be hard to feel like any progress is being made on a daily basis. This can be changed by breaking the project into smaller parts.
Learn Something New
If you find yourself doing the same thing every day, it’s time you made a change. If your job involves the same tasks every day, you’re bound to get bored. There are a number of jobs that will provide a different challenge every day. For example, with some of the best hospital jobs, no two days are ever the same. If a complete change of job is not feasible, then volunteer for any new task that becomes available or learn new skills that will mean you can move to a different department. Trying out new tasks will keep you motivated, improve satisfaction and make you feel happier.
Eat Healthy and Keep Hydrated
Your energy levels and attitude will improve considerably if you follow a healthy diet and ensure you stay properly hydrated, throughout the day. When you’re rushing around trying to get things done, the office vending machine can be very tempting. Don’t give in to it. Instead, prepare yourself a healthy lunch that includes fruit, vegetables, and dairy products. You’ll be able to concentrate better if you avoid sugary foods. Keeping your blood sugar at normal levels will also reduce headaches and feelings of fatigue. Don’t eat your lunch at your desk. This is the one chance in your day when you can change environment without your boss breathing down your neck. If it’s possible, get out of the building and go for a walk. Walking is not only great exercise, but it has also been shown to lift your mood.
Take Time to Look Back on Your Day
Your brain is programmed to remember the bad things more than the good, but you can change this. At the end of your day, take time out to think of at least one positive thing that has happened or a good thing you have done. If you write it down it will act as a permanent reminder. Research has shown that people who regularly reflect on the positive things that have happened feel more optimistic and happier about their life overall. You will need to make it a part of your routine, however. Otherwise, it will be something that easily gets forgotten. When you get home, share your day with the family as this has been shown to enhance further how good it makes you feel and makes the feeling last longer.
The main goal for millions of people is to find a job that earns enough money to make their future secure. Finding a job that puts a smile on your face is a lot harder to do. It is possible to make the hours you spend at work happy ones, but it does require effort. The changes you make to your daily routine don’t have to be big ones, but the impact they have can be significant. Don’t dwell on the negatives. Instead, concentrate on the positives in your life. We all have them.