If you frequently find yourself under strain at work, it’s easy to end up making mistakes. Of course, you should speak to your boss if the stress is caused by poor organization, an overly demanding schedule or the behaviour of colleagues, but sometimes it’s in the nature of the job itself and there’s simply no getting around it. When this happens, take a step back and consider the little things which can make a big difference.
Fresh air
If you normally work indoors, and especially if you’re sitting all the time, getting outside at breaks can make a big difference. Literally expanding your horizon, especially if there’s some greenery around, will immediately lift your mood, while the change of temperature and the escape from stale air will restore your alertness. Getting more daylight will boost your vitamin D levels, which is important in avoiding depression. If this isn’t possible, keeping plants in your workplace will help.
Hydration
Many people today suffer from chronic dehydration without realising it, especially if they consume a lot of coffee or alcohol. Indeed, bosses making use of drug and alcohol lab testing services are often as concerned about the impact on general health as about lawbreaking or inappropriate behaviour. Simply having water at your desk, which you can sip regularly, will boost your overall health and make you feel much more alert and able to cope. If there’s no water cooler, bring your own bottle.
Music
Listening to music can give you an incredible mood boost. As long as you have good headphones so that you don’t annoy other people, many bosses are fine with you listening to your choice of tunes while you work. In fact, the rhythm of music can even help with certain types of tasks. Just be careful to pace it, because trying to listen to high-energy music all day will wear you out. If you’re not allowed to do this, refresh yourself with tunes during breaks.
Helping others
Studies have shown that few things actually make us feel better than helping other people. If you find every day a slog and struggle to keep your personal goals in mind, arranging for your workplace to support a charity can make it all feel much more worthwhile, and you can ask your employer to make contributions based on productivity. If you don’t get cooperation on this, make your own arrangements to donate a small portion of your earnings and make a big difference in the lives of others.
Even when work feels relentless, it doesn’t have to get you down. Remember that it’s only one part of your life and as soon as you finish at the end of each day, focus your mind on the things you enjoy. Don’t let work thoughts intrude into the rest of your life, and never buy into the notion that it’s the only thing that makes you valuable. When kept in its place, it will be far easier to cope with, and you might even find yourself enjoying it again.
