ByDr.Balasubramanian
Boost Your Happiness At
Work
We all get the Monday blues from time to time, but luckily there are ways to take
action against them. If you’re going through a rough patch or are lacking job satisfaction, check out these ways to have a happier work
day.
How to have a happier work day
If your day often leaves you feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it is time to calm things down by getting
more organized. Firstly, make sure you arrive a few minutes early for work to give you time to organize your tasks for
the day and get mentally prepared. Secondly, organize your space by clearing away any clutter and streamlining your workspace (this includes clearing your desk and deleting
old emails). Finally, make a list of everything that you need to do that day in order of priority. If you can, try taking care
of the more difficult things first to take a weight off your mind.
Organize your work day
While many of us are required to wear a uniform or adhere to a dress code for work, if you do have more freedom to dress as you wish, try opting for clothes or accessories that boost your mood. Whether you
opt for a piece of jeweler that reminds you of a special memory, a colorful bag to brighten up your day, that confidence- boosting outfit, or even your
favourite underwear beneath it all, adding something special to your worn-in work attire can really brighten
your day.
Wear a mood-boosting outfit
They say variety is the spice of life, and this is never truer than when it comes to your working day. Following the
same routine day in, day out can quickly cause boredom and dissatisfaction to set in, so try making every day a little
different in any way you can. Try doing routine tasks in a different order, talking to someone new or taking a
different route to work (perhaps even using a different mode of transport, such as cycling, if you can). If you really can’t shake up your work day itself, instead try organizing
something fun and different to do on your lunch break every so often.
Add some variety to your day
Research has shown that workers who have input into the design of their workspace are up to 40 per cent happier than those who do not. While you may not have the authority (or inclination) to decorate or
rearrange your whole office or work place, try brightening up your individual area by purchasing
some nice stationery, putting up a photo, funny calendar or small piece of artwork, or getting a nice
plant for your desk.
Brighten up your desk
If your working day is getting you down, try giving yourself an instant happiness boost by squeezing some exercise into your lunch break. Exercise is good for boosting self-esteem and letting off stress, and it also releases chemicals in the brain such as endorphins and anandamide which can boost your mood and leave you feeling great. If you have shower
facilities at work you could go for a lunchtime run. Alternatively, a brisk walk around the shops will get your
heart rate up without working up a sweat.
Stay active
Got a tough day ahead? Then make sure you pack some healthy snacks to keep your spirits up. Certain
nutrients in food can affect how we feel, so try stocking up on well-known happiness-inducing foods such as walnuts (for Omega-3 fatty acids), bananas (for serotonin-producing tryptophan and relaxing magnesium) and wholegrain (for mood-boosting B
vitamins). Also, stick to low-GI foods for slow-release energy, as low blood sugar levels can lead to
depression and fatigue.
Snack on ‘happy foods’
Regardless of how you feel, try to adopt a positive and friendly attitude when talking to colleagues – yes, even the ones who get on your nerves! Try to resolve any conflicts, avoid office gossip, and treat everyone as you would like to be treated, and you
may find that you get the same in return. Furthermore, research shows that the act of smiling
can actually make you feel happier, so try to paste on a smile however you really feel – it may just boost
your mood.
Be positive and friendly
If you know that your job isn’t the one for you but are stuck with it for now, try to make the best of what
you’ve got. The job may not be permanent, but going to it every day with no sense of purpose (other than to get through to the end of the day) will quickly get
you down. Try to identify a sense of purpose or positive of doing the job, whether it is noting that the
position is getting you nearer to your dream job, helping others in some way, or giving you an
opportunity to build on certain skills.
Appreciate what you have
THANK
YOU