Esoteric Liberica

I found this article on the Ririan Project page. Good stuff. I think a lot of us need to re-assess ourselves and think about our work habits and how we feel when we are at work. Yes we are in control. We just need to kick back and remind ourselves that we are.

#1) HEALTHY BODY
Wake up one hour early, and prepare your body for work. Hours are spent with hygiene and wardrobe, but the actually physical body is often forgotten in the morning routine. Just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise will get blood flowing, create energy, boost metabolism, and loosen up the body. This is especially important if you have a desk job, or job where you spend a lot of time cooped up in a car.

#2) HEALTHY MIND
Take the other 30 minutes (from the early wake up above) to get the mind healthy. Yoga, meditation, prayer, reflection, etc.. what ever works best to clear your mind of personal stressors.

#3) EAT A BALANCED DIET
Eat energy rich-low fat foods. Fat makes you tired and sluggish; which makes you ill and unhappy. Do not skip breakfast and lunch. It doesn’t matter how busy the day gets, take time to get away from work and eat. This provides you with just enough time to replenish energy levels and refocus.

#4) ADD A PERSONAL ELEMENT
Most employees will have some place that they can put a personal picture, pot plant, knickknack, etc.. Not only will this make you feel more at ease in the work environment, but it will help you to remember the good things in life. If you do not have an area to call your own, dedicate a special piece of jewelry, that can serve as a happy reminder.

#5) DON’T SWEAT THE UNIMPORTANT STUFF
Of course, the know it all “tail wagging-suck up” gal next to you is aggravating. However, unless you have the authority to fire her, you are stuck with her. Why let anyone else effect your sanity. Just nod ,and block her diarrhea of the mouth out. Likewise, if a customer is throwing a fit because of a policy that you do not have control over, do not take their insults personally. You will be a much happier person if you realize that you can not sweat the stuff that you can’t change.

#6) DO NOT EXPECT PERSONAL RECOGNITION
Most bosses and customers are not going to specifically recognize you for your accomplishments. However, they are going to jump on the slightest err. My husband still can not comprehend this. He is always complaining about how unappreciated he is at work. Well, your appreciation, recognition, pat on the back, etc.. is your pay check. If you are getting a pay check, then you can assume you are doing something right. When you expect to be to told “thank you for putting in those extra 20 hours of work this week,” you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Continue to work hard, and your payoff will be promotions, raises, and personal advancement; which is of much greater value than a pat on the back.

#7) BE POSITIVE
Okay, I know that it is trite and is often a hard feat. However, the “can do attitude” leads to success. In addition to a positive attitude, you should surround yourself with positive people. Also, avoid gossip and complaining.

#8) BE KNOWLEDGEABLE
What ever your job is, you should make it a priority to know as much as you can about the job, field, company, industry, etc.. This should include the legalities related to the ethics of your profession or license. Knowing what you should and shouldn’t do will give you a greater peace of mind in performing job duties. A person constantly on edge is never happy.

#9) ORGANIZATION
Keep your area clean and organized. This will cut a tremendous amount of stress out of your life. Thereby, making you a happier person.

#10) TAKE YOUR BREAKS
Every employee is entitled (by law) to two- 15 min breaks in an 8 hr shift. It is easy to grow weary and aggravated, if you do not take the time to “reset.”

Spotted on Ririan Project: Top Ten Ways to Be Happy at Work