Let’s be honest. Work is not always synonymous with happiness. Whether it is just the daily grind or a career that is less than your passion, happiness doesn’t always occur naturally. Regardless, this doesn’t mean you have to put it off. The true masters of the workplace can find happiness in the midst of it all. So here are 10 easy tips for staying happy at work.
- Start your day in a good mood.
This might seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people have miserable morning routines and then blame work for not cheering them up. When you don’t start your day with a good attitude, then you are putting a heavy burden on your job to do that for you. - Avoid toxic co-workers.
On the chance you did make it to work in a decent mood, let’s not ruin it by spending time next to the people who didn’t. You know exactly who I’m talking about when I say “toxic co-worker.” If someone’s attitude is bringing you down, try not to let it affect you. And if you don’t know who that toxic person is in your office, then consider it might be you! - Make someone laugh.
It is hard to make someone laugh and walk away feeling unhappy. Take it upon yourself to spread a little joy and see how that lifts your spirits. - Always be nice to the new guy.
You and the person you reach out to will both benefit from an act of kindness. We all know it can be difficult to start a new job. Choose to be a welcoming face and feel the joy that follows. - Eat a healthy snack.
Yes, you could raid the vending machine for those sugary snacks, but they never really make you feel good afterward. Stocking your desk with nuts and fruits can provide your mind and body with the feel-good boost it needs. - Squeeze in something physical.
If your job is inherently physical, then you might need to alter this tip. However, for much of the office world, sitting is the norm. Squeezing in a few office exercises can stimulate the body and brain and refresh your spirit mid-day. - Be productive.
People may criticize the work they do, but they do know when they are being productive. Everyone takes some joy in the completion of a task, whether it is tedious or grand. You don’t need your boss to motivate you to be productive. It is a path to your immediate joy, so pursue it on your own. - Work for yourself.
You will spend a great portion of your life working, so why not do a little bit for yourself? Your current job doesn’t have to be all about your employer. You can use your job as a means to gain valuable experience, foster key relationships, or simply to pursue your passion. Whatever your goal is, considering what you can get out of the experience can get you through some particularly dry seasons at your job. - Don’t neglect the whole person.
Remember: you are more than the shift you work. If you neglect who you are outside of work, then very few jobs could ever actually make you feel happy. - Step outside.
Getting outside while at work doesn’t happen as often as it should. However, stepping out for some fresh air once or twice a day can be…well…a breath of fresh air.
If you implement a few of these tips, or go big and do all 10, you’ll definitely see an improvement in your mood at your workplace. Fight for happiness at your job, you’ll be glad you did.
