Work can be challenging at the best of times. Situations can make even the most positive amongst us feel down occasionally Feeling stressed in the workplace can make us underperform and can also affect other aspects of our lives. So, we have had a good chat in the office at Thornton Legal and come up with some ideas which we think can make you happier at work and improve your well-being.
In no particular order they include:
Having a positive mind set
Things at work don’t always go according to plan. It is important to remember that we are all trying our best and after all.. we are human, so make mistakes.
It is too easy for our brains to look at the negative of the situation. If you find yourself feeling down, turn the whole thing around and think what the positives are instead.
Talk to someone about how you are feeling
This is really important. If you are stressed about something and you can’t see a resolution, talk to a trusted colleague or your boss. It is amazing how someone else’s perspective can make you see things in a different way. Ask for their advice; how would they handle the problem. It is always easier to fix someone else issues than your own it seems.
Take a break
Sitting at a desk and looking at a screen all day is far from natural behaviour for humans.. Get up, have a walk outside in the fresh air and get some natural light. Taking some breaths of fresh air will clear your mind and calm down any negative thoughts you are having. If you go out into a green space, the very action will have a calming effect on you.
Find time for treats
This one is really important in these post Covid times when we have been prevented from doing some of the things that give us a mental uplift. Bring your favourite food to work for lunch or pop out to buy your favourite style of coffee, just the way you like it from your favourite coffee shop. Or tea! We have found that it is the little things which give us the most pleasure.
Don’t get involved in office politics
This never ends well. If someone is having a moan about something, it is guaranteed to bring your own mood down. So do your best to avoid engaging. Smile and think about something positive instead.
Have some exercise
It is amazing how taking some exercise can lift your mood. When we sit at a desk experiencing stressful situations there is nowhere for the stress hormones we create to go. This adds to the situation and often makes it worse. So, our main tip to feeling happier in the office is to get some exercise. Something you enjoy preferably. With lighter evenings this gets easier. Getting your body moving will create endorphins, which make you feel happier. It will also take your mind off the focused issues which easily accumulate after a day in the office, give you a chance to reflect on whether these issues are actually important, how you could re-frame them to make a positive outcome, and whether they matter at all.
We think that by adding some of (or all) of our ideas to your day will help you to feel more positive, happier and enjoy the time you spend at work.
If you have any other ideas on how to be happier at work, please let us know. We are always here to support our clients and candidates and would like to hear your thoughts.
All the best from us all at Thornton Legal!
Thornton Legal is a leading legal recruitment company, recruiting for legal jobs in across Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire and the West Midlands We are passionate about providing a professional, innovative and reliable legal recruitment service that is focused on quality and ensures our clients are matched with the strongest legal talent available. Contact one of our legal recruitment consultants today to see what we can do for your law firm or legal career.