6 Habits that will Make You Happier at Work
6 Habits that will Make You Happier at Work
The breaking news today continues to be about the Coronavirus outbreak and pandemic that has more than 80% of the country sheltering-in-place...people must stay home to “flatten the curve”. This historic crisis has only essential workers reporting to work...medical professionals, grocery, food, and pharmacy workers, as well as other essential businesses.
For some, careers continue by working remotely, but for over 6 million workers, unemployment is the reality they face. With these historic developments, it’s important to remember that this situation is temporary and things will change, yet again, when the pandemic is over. It’s important to protect the safety and wellbeing of ourselves and our families at this time in order to “flatten the curve”.
Once the workforce returns to business, employees will return to work...gratefully. But the danger is that many fall into the same rut they found themselves in before the pandemic.
Being unhappy at work has almost become a modern habit. Statistics regularly show that most people are bored and unhappy in their jobs, outnumbering their happy colleagues by a ratio of two to one. But it doesn’t have to be that way! You can choose to be happier at work, no matter what. Here are six ways you can be happier at work, starting today!
- Find meaning in your work
Not everyone can be Mother Theresa, but the chances are that most people can choose to find some meaning in their day to day work. Whether it’s mentoring a colleague or finding a better way to write reports, you can bring meaning to any job. Even having a positive attitude can help to improve office culture and create happier teams.
- Create your own space
You can create your own space within company limits to brighten your mood. It might be a framed photo of your loved ones or your dog, a potted plant or a special coffee mug. Anything that makes you feel relaxed will help improve your mood.
- Choose to be positive
Luckily positivity is as contagious as negativity. Why not choose to smile, say good morning and thank you to your colleagues, admin and cleaning staff. Some basic good manners and friendliness can lift the mood of the whole office. It also can also mark you out as a positive team member and potential leader. People always remember how you made them feel, so make sure you try to make people feel good!
- Take your breaks
Nothing is as dispiriting as putting in a full day without a break. Unless there’s an office crisis and it’s all-hands-on-deck, make sure you take your coffee and lunch breaks. This is a habit I need to enforce for myself because I have a tendency to work through lunch. Instead, try to leave the office. A walk in the park will lower your stress level and restore your energy. You’ll go back to the office in a much more positive frame of mind.
- Look after yourself
It’s also important not to run your energy levels down by skipping lunch or having unhealthy snacks. Make sure to eat well and stay hydrated. Drinking coffee all day will dehydrate you and make you feel frazzled. Drink water and keep your blood sugar regulated! I even like adding lemon and cucumber slices to my water for a treat.
- Reward yourself
Get into the habit of celebrating all your successes, big and small. Whether it’s finishing a project, or delivering a presentation, or even making that difficult phone call, make sure you pat yourself on the back, buy yourself a book or a dinner out.
If I was going to add just one more tip here, I would include the ability to "toot your own horn" more often. This tip is from one of my own mentors that keeps reminding me to talk about my own experiences and accomplishments. Did I mention my collaboration in Donna Kozik's The Community Book Project: 20/20 Visions...#1 on Amazon's Happiness category?
What makes YOU happier at work?
Until next time...
Cheers!
Lisa
P.S. My lifestyle coaching membership guides members on the PATHS of essential life management skills to create a foundation that supports the pursuit of personal focus goals. I've created a safe space...a sacred space...for learning and reconnecting heart, body, and spirit. I'm proud of the masterclasses I bring to my members each month. Members move along the PATHS at their own pace and have a private community that they can choose to participate in for additional inspiration, encouragement, and support. Get more information here: https://www.lisamcgrath.me/thank-you-for-your-interest-in-a-pilgrimage-to-self
The life philosophy of A House With Four Rooms suggests thinking of yourself as being four rooms: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual rooms. It advocates for doing something daily for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.