Ways to be happier at work - today
It's International Day of Happiness
Being happy at work is a holy grail and I think many if not most of us feel we could be happier.
Well, as today is International Day of Happiness, here are some quick and simple (I hope!) ways you can try and bring some more happiness into your working life. Some of these are more lighthearted than others, some can be done immediately and others might take a little bit of time management or planning. But they can all be done today.
Let me know if you try them, and also add what works for you in the comments!
Have a proper lunch break. Away from screens, outside if you can.
Browse the job ads - I do this sometimes and I think it’s a great ‘grass isn’t always greener’ task. It can also open your eyes to what’s out there and kick-start a job hunt and CV update… leading to a new job?!
Set some goals for the year ahead - if you make a moodboard, even better. I’ll be talking about moodboards next week - whether they’re magic or nonsense…
Book a session with a coach. “Jenny, you would say that!” I hear you laugh. But it doesn’t have to be me! I’m not the right coach for everyone. Feel free to ask if you think you need a coach and I might be able to recommend someone.
Call a colleague on teams instead of messaging (this is always a winner when you’re working from home alone).
Stretch! Lean back wherever you work and have a good stretch much like my dogs do all the time. It’s a fab feeling.
Write down five things you enjoy about your role - it might surprise you to be reminded of what you like about it!
Change your screensaver to something that really inspires you and makes you smile.
Tidy your workspace. Mine is always semi-tidy but I feel happier when I’ve dusted it at the start of the day, too.
Buy a new notepad (always works for me!) Doesn’t have to be expensive. The challenge here is to embrace using it even though it’s new.
Tell a colleague you appreciate them and why - they might just compliment you back, too.
Listen to a podcast about your industry or dream job niche - get inspired!
Take some time to curate your social media feeds so the noise around you is the kind of thing you want to hear and read.
And finally, if you are truly unhappy at work, and it’s affecting your mental health, consider speaking to your GP or a charity like Samaritans. There might also be workplace support you can access, or mental health first aiders at your work. Looking on the intranet is a good place to start.
Jenny x
Love this, Jenny. There are some great ideas here.