The average American works 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, sometimes more. Let’s face it, doing the same thing every day all day, whether we enjoy it or not can lead to feeling being bored or unsatisfied. It is important to enjoy what you do for a living and staying positive at work is the first step! Hire Up developed 5easy ways to stay positive at work in any situation. Scroll down to find out more!
1. Have a good breakfast
Start your morning off right with a delicious and nutritious breakfast. Like we all learned when we were young, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. WebMD suggest eating a hearty breakfast to be at your best all day. Eating a substantial breakfast before work will make sure that you stay full up until lunchtime, meaning irritating tummy rumbles or hunger pains won’t distract you from your work or put a downer on your mood. Not only that, but breakfast gives your brain energy to start the day and keep the ideas flowing all morning. If your brain isn’t happy, you aren’t happy- so make sure it has some fuel!
2. Talk to your colleagues
Studies show that negative feelings like loneliness, anger or frustration are nurtured in isolating conditions. If for any reason you start feeling depressed or negative, make sure to communicate with your colleagues instead of shutting them out. Keep in mind, there are boundaries with work and friendship, but chances are they will be able to help you. Choose an appropriate time for a long discussion. Keep in mind that quick chats and casual greetings are acceptable and are instant mood boosters.
3. Trick yourself into being happy
When you smile and laugh you are sending messages to your brain that you are in a good mood. Therefore, if you smile when you are trying to boost your mood, eventually your negative feelings will pass. Singing and exercise have a similar effect as they release endorphins (mood elevators). HowStuffWorks.com explains how endorphins create a ‘euphoric feeling’. Whilst it might be inappropriate to burst into song or do some star jumps at your desk, you could always go for a jog in your lunch break or have the radio on to hum along to. Additionally, doing mood-lifting activities at any time of the day can help improve your happiness at all other times. Therefore, going to the gym or singing club in the evenings will help you keep happy for longer in general.
4. Take breaks to recharge
Often, the source of negative emotions is exhaustion or boredom. At work it is imperative that these feelings don’t arise. If you start to find your productivity levels drooping or your frustration rising, it’s probably time for a break. Take a five minute breather by getting a drink or visiting the bathroom, just to have some time away from the computer screen. You’ll find when you return you’ll be feeling much fresher and ready for another hour or so at the desk. Not only that but your mood will have lifted too.
5. Stay hydrated
Taking sips of water at regular 20 minute intervals keeps your brain active and your body refreshed and hydrated. If you don’t drink enough water throughout the day you will start to feel tired and get headaches, which don’t make for the best of moods. Have a glass of water by your desk and take a sip every so often. As soon as it’s empty refill it to make sure you always have it ready if you need it. Drinking tea and coffee is all well and good, but you can’t beat water to keep you feeling positive.
Now that we have covered how to stay positive at work, are there any of you who need a job to be positive at? We are hiring for multiple positions so just click HERE to find your perfect job!