According to recent studies, one in five UK adults say that they experience a low mood at least twice a week. The study, based on reports from 2000 adults, paints a worrying picture. At the very least, a good chunk of our week is spent in low spirits; glum, out-of-character, and low in energy. All this and more, at least twice a week!
It begs the question: what happens when we take this into the workplace? This is where (most of us) spend most of our time in any given week, so it must affect our working lives.
Well, it does. A survey conducted by CV-Library reveals that 89% of workers with mental health problems report an impact on their working life. Fortunately, there are a few relatively small changes that make a big difference.
So here it goes. If you want to start feeling a little happier at work, keep on reading!
Make a playlist just for you
Music is a healer – it can boost your mood and kickstart productivity. We’re all self-proclaimed Spotify DJs these days, so embrace your inner disc jockey and get together a selection of your favourite tunes that will brighten your day.
Take a walk
If you’re having a particularly bad day, remove yourself from the situation entirely. With just a short walk around the block, you’ll be able to reflect on your feelings and enjoy some me-time. It helps clear your head and give you some perspective.
Plus, if it’s sunny out then you can bask in the rays! Vitamin D is a proven mood booster.
Decorate your work area
Tidy desk, tidy mind! Make your desk space looks nice with a few personal touches. Your favourite mug maybe, or a small jar of sweets that you love. You can get creative! Think of it as bringing a little slice of your home to work – it can be incredibly comforting.
Switch up your routine
If you suspect that the drudgery of your job is making you feel sad, then it’s time to switch things up. Maybe change how you commute or experiment with a new process. Of course, if it’s the drudgery of your job and nothing else, then it’s probably time to look for something else altogether.
Bring a pet to work
If your workplace doesn’t already have a ‘bring your dog to work day’ (many do) then ask if you could bring yours in. Confectionary giants Nestle have a regular PAW (Pets At Work) day, and it’s gone down a hit with productivity and happiness both at record highs.
Make the most of your weekends
If you make the most of the time you spend out of work then you might find that you don’t mind being in work so much! This also means not taking work home with you. When Friday hometime rolls around, it’s celebration time! It’s important to have a healthy work-life balance (this is something our workaholic culture often overlooks).
Take advantage of any office perks
These days, a lot of workplaces have reward systems but we’re often just too busy to take advantage of them. Whether it’s reduced cinema tickets or vouchers for a day spa, you could be eligible for loads of treats. Have a look!
Find a work BFF
There’s no need to suffer in silence! Once you have a friend at work, you’ll build a sense of community, camaraderie, and support. It becomes really helpful to know that, if you’re having a hard day, someone is there to listen (it works the other way around, too!).
Think about the future
If your job doesn’t already have a progression plan, then you need one of your own. Having a set of goals will give you a lot of perspective and will also prevent you from feeling like you’re stagnating.
Eat well and stay hydrated
How healthy you eat plays a big part in how you feel in your mind. Physical health is directly linked to mental health, and if you neglect one then the other will be negatively affected. You’ll soon feel the benefits! Vitamins help, too – there are whole ranges out there aimed at energy, mood and productivity (both men and women are catered for, too).
Feeling happier yet?
Like we said earlier, if you’ve already tried the above and you still hate being at work, then maybe you should look elsewhere. It’s vital that you know you’re on the right career path and you feel appreciated by your employers. It all plays a part in workplace happiness!
Many of us sometimes feel down about work (it didn’t earn the name for nothing) but with the above tips we can all appreciate what we do and move forward in our careers.
Image source: 123rf.com
