Be happy in the workplace

Finding work a drag? Here’s how you can be happy in the workplace. Having a productive day at work is always a lot harder when your mood is faltering. The signs that your morale needs a boost are all there – you struggle to stay motivated, you’re easily distracted and the highlight of your day is when you finally head home. However, it doesn’t have to be this way forever. You can transform your frame of mind at work by making a few simple changes. Pip Roberts, founder of The Happy – a company dedicated to improving the wellbeing of workers – gave us her tips…

Digital detox

When we wake up, we check Twitter straight away. When we’re on the way to work, we’re on our phones. Many of us then spend around eight hours a day glued to a computer screen at work. This pattern doesn’t sound very healthy, does it? As hard as it can be to switch off, that may be exactly what you need to increase your happiness at work and overall in your life. ‘Take some time out away from technology,’ says Pip. ‘Let a day be all about you, no regard for anybody else. Be present and enjoy your time free from a screen.’ Taking a step back from technology may make you realise how much it affects your emotional state.

Hydrate

The majority of us are probably in denial about how much water we should be drinking in comparison to how much we actually do. Considering that the human body is predominantly made of water, it should be one of our top priorities to stay hydrated. ‘A big glass of water tends to fix most ills,’ says Pip. ‘Energy levels low? Drink water. Headache? Drink water. Feeling emotional? Drink water. Such a quick fix!’ If you forget to drink water when you’re preoccupied with work, buying a water bottle is an easy solution. Having a bottle on your desk would give you the constant reminder you need to drink up.

Take a time out

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, the best thing for your sanity could be to take a well-deserved time out. You could even try a calming activity, such as meditation, to settle your mind and put your stresses aside. ‘Watch your productivity and creativity increase exponentially after you have done this,’ says Pip. Stepping aside from work for a little while, whether you book a day off or just have a relaxing weekend, could then help you to channel your focus and become more productive when you return to work.

Sleep

We avoid sleep so much when we’re kids, then constantly crave it as adults. Resetting your sleep routine can have a drastic impact on your mood for the better. ‘Rest is the key to wellbeing,’ says Pip. ‘Most of us are lacking in this important activity. We should be waking naturally without an alarm as part of our routine. If you aren’t, maybe it’s time to consider a change of routine so this begins to happen.’ Set a reminder on your phone every evening to go to bed, change into your pyjamas as soon as you walk in the door, give yourself a reward for a good night’s sleep – whatever it takes to improve your sleep and your happiness!

Stop comparing yourself to others

Comparing yourself to others is pretty much always a detrimental thing to do. Everyone is unique and what makes someone else happy may not pan out in the same way for you. ‘Treat yourself as an individual,’ says Pip. ‘What works for your wellbeing may be completely different to your partner/friends/catsitter. Embrace this and find your own recipe for wellness.’ Being happy in the workplace will become so much easier when you stop worrying about how you compare to everyone else. Just be you by making the changes that you need to boost your happiness.