5 Ways You Can Be Happier at Work Right Now
5 Ways You Can Be Happier at Work Right Now
(http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/224873)
image credit: Disney
No
matter how passionate you are about your business, the stress, long
hours, and a myriad of worries can leave you feeling unhappy at work. According
to a June 2012 report
by the Conference Board, an independent business membership and research
association, only 47% of Americans are satisfied with their jobs.
"We
spend way too much time at work to not behappy," says Beth Thomas,
author of Powered
by Happy: How to Get and Stay Happy at Work (Sourcebooks, 2010). Being
unhappy at work can not only affect your mood, but your productivity and your
company's bottom line.
Bring
joy into your job and improve your company's success with these tips:
1.
Stay rooted in the present. "Many of our negative thoughts come from
worrying about situations that may never happen," says Thomas. While
entrepreneurs often have to make contingency plans, constantly thinking about
the worst case scenario can place undue stress on your body and mind and drain
it of resources that are better used in more productive ways.
"The
best way to deal with negative thoughts is to separate fiction from fact," says
Thomas. So, the next time you find yourself facing a negative thought, analyze
the situation and ask whether you're reacting to a real or imagined
situation.
Related: 7 Simple Ways to Relieve
Stress Now
2.
Engage in positive thinking. Shifting negative thoughts to positive
ones can help to improve your mood and mindset. "Every time a negative thought
comes into your head, stop and think about a positive one," says Thomas. Do this
for a few weeks and you'll quickly notice that you're creating a new habit that
will enhance your happiness not only at work, but in your daily life.
3.
Help others. Whether getting involved in philanthropic activities or
helping your staff improve in their jobs, Thomas says charity is the secret to
lasting happiness. "Happiness at work isn't about what you alone achieve. It's
not about helping yourself look better, but about making everyone on your team
perform better," says Thomas.
Setting
up an employee mentoring program where senior staff members assist junior staff,
or getting your staff involved in a philanthropic activity such as a local food
drive or a charity cycling event can improve the happiness of everyone in the
office.
4.Take
a break. While entrepreneurs are often motivated by positive stress,
the kind that pushes us to do more, it's important to recognize when your mind
and body need a break. "Even if you like your job, stress can weigh you down and
make you unhappy," says Thomas. Schedule a few days off or find an outlet after
work or on the weekend to have fun, rest your mind and rejuvenate yourself.
5.
Keep a gratitude journal. Happiness doesn't come from getting something
you don't have, but recognizing and appreciating what you do have. Write down
five things you're grateful for each day before you start work, or before you
leave the office at the end of the day, to retrain your brain to focus on the
positive.
Comments