Over your lifetime, you spend more time at work than you do anywhere else. Doesn’t it make sense that you should try to make it healthier and happier?
If you don’t have the luxury of working in an environment that keeps you healthy and happy it will eventually affect the rest of your life. In theory, changing jobs might be the answer, but the reality is that it’s not always that easy to find a job.
If changing jobs isn’t an option for you, here are some easy ways to make your current place just a little healthier and happier.
1Find Out About Flexibility Options
More businesses are starting to realize how important it is to allow flexibility for their employees. Check with your boss to see what options you have available.
Can you work late one night each week and leave early one afternoon? You might even be able to work out an arrangement to work from home one afternoon.
If an arrangement like this can be set up, you can schedule your doctor appointments and errands during your early afternoon it will have a double benefit. Your boss will know that you won’t have other schedule disruptions and you can balance your work-home life more effectively.
2Check Your Chair
Did you know that sitting on an exercise ball is much better for your back than sitting on a chair? It also gives you more energy throughout the day. You can also check to see if your company has other ergonomic options that will make your workspace more comfortable.
3Take a Break
Your eyes become strained if you spend too much time starting at your computer screen. This usually increases your stress levels and eventually gives you a headache.
Every half hour you should take a minute to focus on something in the distance. If you stand up and stretch during this minute break, your eyes and your back will both feel rejuvenated when you sit back down.
4Breathe
Sometimes the office can be a stressful place. There are important deadlines that have to be met and everyone (including your boss) is in a panic to make sure they are met.
When you feel the stress building up:
- Take a minute for a mini-meditation session
- Close your eyes and focus on breathing
- Take several deep, slow breaths
- When you’re done, you will be recharged and ready to get to work
5Wash Your Hands
Work places are similar to schools because when one person gets sick, it seems like everyone gets sick.
An easy way to avoid some of those illnesses is to make it a habit of washing your hands every time you pass a sink.
6Control Your Email
Email is one of the biggest drains to your time and energy while you’re at work. The best way to avoid some of this is to set up a few times during the day to read and answer your emails. This prevents too much email distraction.
You will be much more productive if you don’t have to stop what you’re doing every 10 minutes to read the new email you just received.
7Leave Work at Work
One of the best ways to be happier at your workplace is to not take your work home with you. Regardless of your job, you need to have time away from it.
It may seem like thinking about your job when you’re at home will help you get ahead, but it will really just add more stress and make it harder to enjoy your time with your family. Then you will be even more tired and grumpy when you go back to the office the next day because you feel like you never left.
Here are some great tips related to leaving work at work.
8Find Easy Ways to Exercise
Exercise can make you more productive, help you focus and even put you in a better mood.
Many people believe that the only exercise that counts is when you go to the gym, but that isn’t true. You can have a big impact on your attitude at work with just a few short bursts of exercise throughout the day.
Here are a few easy ways to get an energy boost during the day.
- Take the stairs
- Pick a lunch place that is a few more blocks away and walk
- Stand on one leg when you’re on the phone
9Ask Yourself the Tough Questions
Make it a point to ask yourself several questions each month. Is this really what you want to do with your life? Is your current job headed where you want it to? Does your job fulfill you or do you need more of a challenge?
Those types of questions and their answers will help you to see if you’re on the right path or if it is time to reinvent yourself. If your answers are positive, good for you! You’re on the right track and you just need to keep focusing on the little things to stayhappy.
If your answers are more negative, it is probably time to start making some plans!
What Do You Think?
Do you have any other tips that someone else might find helpful?
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