How to Get Through the Work Day

As I get older I find myself becoming more and more intolerant of the day to day grind that comes with my profession. So I began compiling a mental arsenal of the things I need to get me through the day. I thought I’d take the time while I’m in a very important meeting to write a few of them down for you. Matter of fact I’m implementing #5 right as I write.

Start the Day With Your Fave Song

Before you go to work, play your favorite song in the car as loud as you can right up until the moment you take the key out of the ignition. This song will last you for about 3 hours into your day. When someone you don’t like tries to talk to you, play this song in your head. Unbeknownst to them you are drowing out any gibberish that sputes from their mouth. This task requires some skill though because you have to follow facial cues to know when to respond appropriately. This could be tricky if not mastered properly.

Even hum your tune while working. This will either drive others insane trying to figure out what tune your humming or upset someone because you seem to be so damn happy. Either way it’s a win-win for you. Music is a well known mood changer. It has the ability to inspire us, motivate us, help us relax and change our mood for the positive.

Picture Your Way Out of A Bad Mood

When your higher up decides to put one more thing on your plate. Whip out a photo of who or whatever makes you smile. I don’t care if it’s a clown riding on the back of a rhinoceros. If it makes you smile you better break your wrist getting it out. Either that or risk the explosion of the anger that is building inside of you that could potentially cause you to inflict bodily harm to your boss. That won’t go over too well in HR. But having a picture of your loved ones or pets can easily calm you down and remind you of the reason why you are working so darn hard in the first place. Make sure you have these readily available on a tack board in your office, in your wallet, on your phone or in a drawer if your office is coldhearted and doesn’t want you to place “feel good” items out. Sick bastards, if that is the case.

Focus on your Goals

If you have a goal of buying a diamond studded tiara to dazzle yourself in front of the mirror in your spare time or saving up to get those leather chaps with the gold stitching (men, I couldn't leave you out), remember that. This sudden flash of thought can get you through any hardships you may encounter at work. When you are about to blow up at coworker for being what can clearly be seen as a licensed buffoon, close your eyes and focus on the prize. When you know that you are working towards obtaining your goals it calms you down a bit as to where you stop and rethink blowing up because you don’t want to lose your source of income.

Fill Your Nostrils with Happy Thoughts

Heavenly aromas can soothe the savage beast within. Scents are right up there with music. It is one of the quickest ways to alter your mood for the better. Certain fragrances are known to reduce stress and anxiety, induce happiness and keep you awake and alert. If you are stressed getting a whiff of cucumber or apple can help relieve it. If you are tired sniff peppermint or cinnamon. Baked goods are a wonderful scent to place you in a happy mood. But don’t be too happy. They might think you like taking on extra tasks and you’ll be the first they approach next time. And if you’re not armed with your special fragrance at that time you might bite someone’s head off. I personally carry a spray with me and when I feel down or stressed I fire off a couple of squirts of it and an instant smile surfaces. Whatever scent makes you have happy thoughts or reminds you of a special occurrence don’t be afraid to spray it.

Zone Yourself Out

It’s okay every now and then to daydream and block out the on goings around you. Hey I have thoughts of certain unknowns all the time. The scantily clad subjects of my daydreams don’t know this, nor could they care less but it helps me get through my day and that’s all that matters. Now of course you have to place limits on your mental escapades. If you are zoned out to the point where your boss thinks you just smoked one then you could be up for a drug test and possible termination. We do not want this. So maybe you should stay clear of this until you are able to control how long you zone out. And if possible, this should be done in private. Maybe I should have stated this in the beginning.

Humor Your Way Ouf of A Stress Jam

Nothing will place you in a better mood than humor. Jokes will ease any tension or stress that you may feel. Find that co-worker that understands the pain you go through and crack up with them. Reminisce about how Chris in accounting drank too much at the Christmas party and made out with the moosehead that Margaret brought. Whatever that was about, neither of you will never know. Even something as simple as faking a smile can cause you to really smile and ease some stress. Go ahead, try it. If you’re in a room full of tension, excuse yourself, head to the restroom and smile at yourself in the mirror. Silly I know but close your eyes, think of something that makes you laugh and give yourself a silent chuckle. If you chuckle aloud someone will hear you and that starts a whole ‘nother set of problems.

By the way, did you know that we change physiologically when we laugh? Muscles throughout the face and body stretch, your pulse and blood pressure go up, and you breathe faster, sending more oxygen to your tissues. And according to WebMD, it's also been researched that 10-15 minutes of laughter can burn up to 50 calories. Who knew!

What gets you through your day at work? If you got nothing, give some of these things a try to see if they can help you make it through your 8 - 10 hour day. And God help you if you work longer hours than that. In that case you might have to double and triple up on some of these tips. Have a good day tomorrow!

Also find ways to Avoid the Workplace Drama.