Happiness is a choice. However, as deadline approach we can feel pressure and stress that makes happiness feel like a pipedream. Under busy conditions, it’s important to focus on achieving greater mental health. The following tips can help you stay happy at work:

Do Something You Love Every Day

Sure, you might love your job. However, work does not replace a hobby or family time.

Americans employed full time work an average of 47 hours per week which equates to 6 days per week. They also do not take all of their mandated time off. The average American receives 15 days off per year but only uses 14.

You need to make time for the things that you love to stay happy at work. This could be yoga, mountain biking, golf, knitting, or taking your kids to the park.

Stay Out of Work Place Drama

Nothing like a little “he said, she said” to bring you down at work! Gossiping is high school and should stop when you are fifteen.

Work place drama is also destructive to your professional reputation. Your coworkers might start to recruit you to take sides or talk badly behind your back. Gossip is a recipe for unhappiness at work.

How to Avoid Work Place Drama

• Save the venting for outside of the office
• Wait to reply to emails that feel like attacks to avoid scorching replies
• Never assume negative intent

 

Have a Clear Idea of Expectations

Employers hire employees that help their company make money. Clarify what your employer expects from you to achieve what they need. This reduces stress from unclear end goals.

Don’t Overcommit

Have you ever felt pressure from not meeting job expectations? Avoid this by not overcommitting.

For example, your boss might be looking for someone to lead a project. This position could help you get a promotion. However, you are already loaded with tasks and working 50 hours per week. This is not the time to accept the position! Wait until you can perform to the best of your abilities.

Help a Co-Worker

Have you ever felt happier after helping another person? Altruists are more likely to be committed to their work and not quit their job.

“Being motivated to help and believing your work makes a difference is associated with greater happiness in our analysis,” claims Donald Moynihan, professor in the La Follette School of Public Affairs. Moynihan found a link between happiness and altruism in the workplace between 49 countries.

Take 10 minutes to help with a difficult project to increase your happiness levels for the entire week.

Think of 3 Good Things that Happened

When we focus on the negative, we will find the negative. Negativity can be a difficult pattern to break. Instead of focusing on your coworker’s rude comment or pile of work, reflect on three things that you are thankful for. Doing so, can improve your mood and make work more enjoyable.

Sleep More

Have you ever gotten a poor night’s sleep and woken up cranky and anxious? Your body needs sleep, just like air and water.

Signs that you aren’t sleeping enough:

• Yawning
• Irritability
• Daytime fatigue

 

Increase your amount of sleep to 7-9 hours per night if you are suffering with these symptoms. A well-rested brain is a happier brain.