Like it or not, we spend about a 1/3 of our lives at work (if you include the time we spend thinking about work, worrying about something going on at work, you get the drift…) So whether you love your job or are still looking for your perfect job (which by the way, is a myth…but that’s another blog!) why wouldn’t want to do what you can to make the job you have now a place that makes you feel pretty darn good? The trick is to remember our humanity. Here are some surprising tips on how to do it.
Use your vacation time! As if you need more encouragement to take time off!…Studies show that time away from your job eases stress, reduces risk of depression and boosts self-esteem. Yet at full 1/3 of Americans don’t use their vacation time at all. And you wonder why your co-workers seem cranky! No vacation time coming to you? Make the most of your weekends or time off. Get together with friends and family often for a well-balanced, happier you.
Be open-minded! When someone other than you has an idea don’t automatically shoot it down or look for holes in their theory. Likewise, if you come up with a brilliant concept be willing to entertain others thoughts on how to enhance how it may work. If we want to change the way the world works for the better, we have to be open to new ways of doing things.
Mingle! No, they don’t pay you to socialize…but do it anyway. Why? Because the happiest people spend about 7 hours a day socializing with family and friends. At work that means getting together for lunch, hitting happy hour, spending an extra minute at the water cooler or even e-mailing about the great movie you saw last weekend.
Be compassionate! If you’ve ever had to go through a relationship break-up or other personal crisis while trying to appear as though everything is just fine, you know the meaning of the words hell on earth. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily know what your customers or co-workers are going through; just treat everyone you meet with respect. Remember we all have things going on in our lives that we’re not ready to share.
Join the club! According to research by Robert Putnam, joining a club that meets about once a month has the same effect on your brain as getting a 50% raise. Seriously! How? We humans have evolved to be very social creatures; as a result we’re happier when we get together with others. Whether with co-workers, personal friends or a mix of both, join a group small or large, that meets regularly.