Have you felt that your job is becoming increasingly boring or
frustrating lately? Are you tired of doing the same tasks over and over, and do
you feel that all the joy of your work has slowly started to fade away? The
last thing you want is to feel sad or stressed about leaving your house each
morning to go to work. Fortunately, there are quite a few things you can do to
be happier at your workplace – things that will not only improve your mood but
will also increase your productivity.
Here are seven ways to be happier at
work:
1. Everything Starts With the Right Mindset
The first, and perhaps most important, thing you can do to be
happy at work is to simply choose to be happy, since happiness
is often a matter of choice rather than luck. If you know how to cherish the
small yet positive and beautiful things life throws at you, you will be a
happier and more cheerful person. There is something positive to be found in
nearly every job, and the secret is to simply think positively about your work
and not let the negative things interfere with you, your attitude or your
personal lifestyle. Surround yourself with positive and optimistic people at
work – people you have fun with and who make you feel good about yourself and
your job.
2. Steer Clear of Negativity
We all have coworkers who are notorious pessimists, who always
complain about even the small things. Being surrounded by people like this
can drain your own positivity and energy, so it is very important to steer
clear of this negativity whenever possible. You do not need to cope with the
negative conversations, the office gossips or the unhappy people who try to
‘poison’ your attitude with their own problems. Even the most convinced
optimists can have their psyche and their overall mood affected by those who
are notoriously negative, and that is the last thing you want at work.
3. Be Thankful!
You must never underestimate the power of being thankful and
grateful to people – thanking your boss or your coworker for every opportunity
is not only a matter of respect and etiquette, but also a matter of mental
health and overall well-being. When you are kind to people, everything comes
back to you, and you will feel happier. Some people are great to have around,
and never be afraid of openly appreciating or complimenting your coworkers,
since this will certainly strengthen your relationships with them. Besides
this, being complimentary and thankful for every small thing they do for you
will certainly make them feel a lot more appreciative towards you – and this will
make you happy!
4. Know Your Boiling Point
Another essential issue that you must be aware of if you are
trying to be happier at work is simply knowing your ‘boiling point.’ Even the
most calm and optimistic people have their own bottom line, which you should
not hit unless you want to bring out the worst in them. When you know your own
bottom line, you understand your flaws better, and you can prevent your job
from getting frustrating. Never let your job take control of you and push you
to your personal limit or it will negatively affect both your overall mood and
your productivity at work.
5. Be Kind to Your Boss
There is a big difference between being genuinely kind and
respectful to your boss and trying to flatter your superior in order to get
what you want. It is important to rise to the expectations of your boss and to
always give your best effort – not only can this result in a salary raise or
bonus, but your boss is also more likely to promote you to a management
position, if that is what you are looking for. Overall, be natural, work hard
and always keep your eyes on the prize. This approach will make you feel more
fulfilled and happy, and when you make your boss feel appreciated and
respected, he will very likely return the favor in the long run. Even the most
difficult bosses have a sensitive side, and nobody is immune to genuine
kindness and interest.
6. Start Your Work Day With the Task You Hate the Most
Everybody has tasks they like and tasks they avoid, or even hate
– if this is the case for you, then one of the most important things you can do
to be happier at work is to simply start your day by completing that dreaded
task first. The reason for this is simple: when you need to do something you
truly dislike, there is a natural tendency to postpone that project for as long
as you can. But by postponing it, you will know that it is waiting and must be
dealt with sooner or later – you will constantly return to the thought of
having to deal with the dreaded task, a thought that can haunt you from 9 to 5,
every day. By addressing that task first and by prioritizing your goals, you
will have more enjoyment later on. Your favorite tasks will be like a dessert
after eating your vegetables!
7. Surround Yourself With Things That Make You Smile
Laughter is a cheap but powerful medicine, and a day without
laughter is a lost day – so it is extremely important to surround yourself with
people and things that make you smile, which will improve your mood even when
you are down. It could be a picture of a loved one, a good joke or anything
else that is meaningful and brings out the best in you. These people and things
will make you happier, like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Never let your
professional problems affect your personal state of mind, because when you do,
your job has already taken control over your life.
The bottom line is that laughter counteracts irritation, anger
and frustration, which are three of the most common problems one has to deal
with in the workplace. Even the happiest and most appealing jobs have their
downsides, and it is important to know how to cope with them.
These seven approaches can help boost your mood and your vibe!
