We spend most of our waking time earning a living. So, if you don’t love what you do, life can get dismal fast. They say that happiness isn’t a destination but an ever-present element of your journey, and if that’s true, there must be a way to find joy everywhere, even in the most mundane of tasks. Is there a way to make work feel less like work? The experts say there is, and we’ve rounded up their four best tips for achieving joy in your everyday duties. Here’s some quick tips for how to improve your work environment.
1. Outsource
If you’re not one of those rare people who takes joy in the art of admin, it’s a painfully tedious task. And it’s one you don’t need to torture yourself with. You can get all the advantages of a flash office and receptionist by getting yourself a virtual office. This service is customizable, meaning you can choose what you want to include in your package. Generally, you have your own dedicated phone line, a receptionist manning it, and a real address (even if you’re never there). With all those painful admin tasks taken care of, you can ditch the drag and focus on the parts of your job you love.
Another great thing about virtual office solutions is that you can project an impression of professionalism, while still reaping all the benefits of working from your home office without the expense and hassle of maintaining your own premises. You can put a prime downtown address on your website and business card, have a trained receptionist answer your calls, all while sitting in your pajamas! Nobody need be any the wiser!
2. Create A Good Playlist
If you’re looking for an easy way to get into the flow and be productive and improve your work environment, a good playlist is a perfect shortcut. If you regularly work while listening to particular songs, your brain associates those sounds with productivity. You will find it easier to get into a good rhythm and flow, blocking out distractions and zoning into the music.
This technique is more effective when you opt for music that is conducive to concentration. While no-one but you can predict what will get your brain in the zone, most people find that classical music has a particular knack for inducing a state of concentration. However, are those who find that a stronger beat will get them into a productive rhythm. Experiment with various genres to figure out which works best for you. Beware, though! Discipline is required here as the temptation to spend more time rocking out that smashing work out can be too alluring at times.
3. Have A Routine To Discipline Your Brain
If you want to make work feel less tedious and more enjoyable, you need to train your brain to focus with greater ease. One of the simplest ways to do this is by following a good routine. Your brain works with rhythm and flow. That’s how it feels safe and in control. You can help it reach this flow state by creating a ritual to follow before you start your day.
It can be as simple as a stretch at the window before you make coffee and sit down. Or it can be as complicated as a gym routine, a particular breakfast, feeding the pets, and then settling down to work. Whatever it is, make sure you do it every single day before work. When you’re taking a day off, break the routine so that it’s only associated with workdays and discipline. If you work from home, many people find that dressing in work clothes every day is an effective way to ensure that they approach their tasks with the right mindset.
Additionally, dividing your daily tasks into firm time blocks can be a powerful tool to ensure you’re always on task. Plus, if you use a planner, it makes it a lot easier to break apart your daily tasks and keep track of everything.
4. Surround Yourself With A Supportive Team
You are what you surround yourself with. If you have negativity around you, it will affect your productivity. Our brains are only able to make wise and logical decisions when they feel safe and comfortable. So, be sure to get yourself a positive team. Look for high energy and enthusiasm. You want a team that will keep you on your toes while remaining realistic.
Studies have shown that the number one predictor for high-functioning teams is the way in which they communicate – the tone and the frequency being of utmost importance. Those who are upbeat and supportive are more productive than those who remain aloof and distant. Even if you’re working from home, the proliferation of team management and communications applications can make you feel like you’re part of something bigger. You may not be able to catch up on last night’s episode of The Bachelor around the water cooler, but there’s no reason why you can’t indulge.
5. Make Break Time part of the Routine
Neither our brains or our bodies were created to work at a single task the whole day. Breaking up your work schedule with reasonable break times is a crucial part of a productive workday. Irrespective of how under the pump you may feel, you’re productivity will fade and errors will start to increase if you don’t give yourself time to relax and tune out.
Most importantly, it will break up your day and make it seem like less of a drag. Whether you go outside for a walk around the block and a breath of fresh air, 15-minute yoga practice or meditation, or a cozy coffee or tea break while you flick through your latest magazine or novel. Give your mind a brief respite for 15-30 minutes a few times a day and you’ll find that you’ll get more out of yourself than sitting chained to your desk from morning until night.
Overall
Happiness isn’t a reward for a life well-lived, nor is it wrapped up in money. It is not something you can earn and then simply maintain. Happiness is more like sunshine. If you roll up your sleeves and tune into it, you can feel it.
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