5 Ways To Tap Into Daily Happiness At Work That You Might Be Overlooking

Finding happiness at work is a hide-and-seek game. Some employees may take time to locate it, no matter how long they’ve been in the business. However, the good news is that it’s present and you can achieve it. In preparation for International Happiness At Work Week, let’s get into a few simple elements you have been overlooking that might lead to more contentment while on the job. 

The primary driver of happiness varies depending on who you ask. Harvard psychiatrist Robert Waldinger notes how finding a profession you love and your work relationships overlap and impact your joy in the long run. He also adds that control over your work life contributes to overall job satisfaction. 

Some people speculate that removing difficulties brings joy. However, you’ll likely feel pressure every once in a while. About 83% of American workers experience daily work-related stress. Perhaps the closest answer to pursuing happiness is relieving the distress as it comes and goes. 

It’s one thing to feel content at work and another to discover daily happiness. Here are tips to have a daily dose of joy while on the clock. 

Say you’ve arrived at work and it’s the first 10 minutes of your shift. Those next few minutes can impact your mood for the rest of the day. Therefore, find an activity that brings you joy. For some people, drinking coffee is all the prep they need.

Music also boosts your mood. Put on your earphones, play your latest favorite song and close your eyes. Write a positive affirmation on a sticky note and place it on your computer for another hit of happiness. You can also decorate with posters and plantsto create pleasant surroundings. 

Talking with your work friends is another way to tap into everyday happiness. About 65% of American employees have a close companion at their job, which makes all the difference in keeping a positive attitude at the office. 

If you don’t have a close work friend, you can make one right now. Put yourself out there and start a conversation with someone. You’ll never know if you share a common interest unless you talk to them. 

It takes less than a minute to greet people with “good morning” or “good afternoon” throughout your work shift. Saying “please” and “thank you” also makes the workplace feel more positive. 

Acknowledge people’s existence and efforts, and they will feel seen and appreciated. Courtesy also encourages others to practice good behavior and creates a feel-good atmosphere. 

Kindness goes beyond verbal phrases. Hold the door open for someone or lend a hand with the office printer. Even a tiny nod and smile to your boss can go a long way.

Most people only celebrate the significant work milestones throughout their careers. However, you should recognize even the smallest wins to achieve daily happiness. Here are some examples:

• Arriving at the office early
• Getting a work process suggestion approved
• Accepting criticism and identifying areas of improvement in your career 
• Identifying and fixing a problem with your project before submission 
• Helping out someone with a work task
• Learning something new

To celebrate, create a small gratitude journal and log your victories there. You can also treat yourself to a latte from your favorite cafe or lunch out.  

The best way to combat stress and find happiness is to take a step back. Find breathing room throughout your shift. Most states require employers to give their workers at least 30-minutes for lunch. Take advantage of it and leave your desk.

Order takeout or enjoy your packed lunch outdoors with your office pals. You can also take a quick walk for fresh air. Alternatively, give yourself five minutes to relax for every half hour of work. 

Maintaining happiness can take plenty of work, which is ironic since most people think they must juggle joy and their job. Combat daily stress at the office with your activities and mindset. Choose joy, and the feelings will follow.