Do you struggle to get to work in the mornings? Perhaps you have a successful job, but don't feel particularly happy? The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do to be happier at work. Here are 7 of our favourites…
1. Have a Morning Ritual
Rather than snooze your alarm and then race around the place with little time to prepare for work, take your time. Try to wake up at least one hour before you need to head off. Have a cup of tea, get some exercise, read a book or do simply get ready for work at a slower pace. You'll then be better prepared for the work rush.
2. Find Meaning
Studies have found that happiness is linked to having a purpose. So seek a job that gives you meaning in your life, or let your manager know when you're not feeling appreciated.
3. Break Up the Day
Head down, bum up, isn't the best approach to take for work happiness. While you should ensure no deadlines are missed, it's still vital to take short breaks through the day. Even taking a moment to breathe deeply, do a short meditation, or walk over to a colleague's desk for a chat can make a difference. Of course, nothing beats fresh air!
4. Talk to Your Colleagues
How often do you go an entire day without really connecting with your colleagues? Email makes it all too easy to avoid contact, but greeting everyone you work with each day can significantly boost your satisfaction levels – and theirs!
5. Have a Clear Workspace
Clutter is chaos, and a chaotic day is not a happy or productive one. Make it a priority to clear and tidy your desk at the end of each day, so you start work with clarity and focus.
6. Avoid Office Politics
It can be tempting to join cliques and have an us-versus-them mentality, but it's one quick trip to unhappy land. Instead, aim to get along with your colleagues – and avoid people who stir confrontation and division.
7. Stop Multitasking
It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you're doing a million tasks at once. Instead, swap multitasking for mindfulness. Drink your tea without doing anything else. Write a proposal without checking your email. You'll get more done, feel more productive and have a happier time at work.
Originally published on Aug 11, 2014
