Have you ever heard someone humming on the job and thought “How are they so happy, this job is the worst?”
Whether you hate your job or just mildly dislike it, you may want to try these 5 easy actions to be happier at work.
1. Do great work.
“If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, go out and sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures. Sweep streets like Handel and Beethoven composed music. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say, here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A sense of accomplishment makes us happy, and a job well done can lead to better opportunities.
Consider each of your job tasks. Can you perform better than the day before? Make it a personal challenge and reward yourself when you do!
2. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
What you see and do follows your thought patterns. When you think positive thoughts, you see and do positive things and naturally feel happier.
You think “Ugh, I have to work tomorrow.” Envision literally kicking that thought out of your head and replacing it with a new one. “After tomorrow, I’m one day closer to my next paycheck.” Or, “I’m looking forward to (plans with a friend, weekend plans, relaxing with a favorite show).”
3. Change your perspective.
“Life is 10 percent what you make it and 90 percent how you take it.” ― Irving Berlin
When you don’t sweat the small stuff, you have more time to enjoy the rest.
Instead, “C” things differently – become more creative than reactive. If you can resolve something that goes wrong at work, focus on the fix rather than complaining about the issue. If you can’t resolve it, move on and reserve your energy for better things.
4. Take care of yourself.
“How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live ’em.” – Shel Silverstein
Your well-being, both physically and mentally, affects everything you think and do.
So, eat well, exercise, keep up with preventive health care visits, and do something that brings you joy every day – from small things like taking a walk or sitting in the sun, to bigger things like volunteering at a homeless shelter or taking a weekend trip.
5. Contribute to making your workplace enjoyable.
“It’s better to be alone than in bad company.” – George Washington
A happier workplace starts with you, and since you can only control your own behavior and no one else’s, that’s a great place to start!
Communicate with respect, help other people, joke (appropriately), smile, be positive, and hum if you like.
Additional Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/job-satisfaction/art-20046539
And if you think you would be happier in a different job, rely on our caring, certified staff at the branch nearest you to find your best fit!