5 Tips To Improve Your Mood At Work

What if you could change your mood at work and feel more enlightened with a positive mood for most of the day?

Most people complain that they don't enjoy work, however, when asked whether they don't like the work environment or having to do the work itself, most comment on negatives about the work environment and atmosphere rather than the work. Why? Because people want to feel comfortable, at home and free to do whatever they feel like where ever they are and where ever they go.

So what can you do to improve your mood and lifestyle at work to prevent the unhappiness?

1. Decorate your work environment (and clear away any rubbish):

If you work in an office, decorate your desk and walls with some pictures. They don't have to be anything fancy, just a few cut outs from magazines, calendars, newspapers or anywhere else which has pictures or funny quotes to keep you going throughout the day. Most people like to add pictures of their family and friends to think of the positives in their life and a realisation that there's a lot more out there than just being at work. Alternative ideas include placing a calendar on your desk, a small fish tank, a small pot plant (any small indoor plants including a small cactus).

The idea is that when you look at these distractions, you can just look at the bright side of life and always remember that with a bit of extra work and motivation, you too can be enjoying those beautiful views. If you've got funny quotes put up around the place, this can brighten your mood and create enlightenment during the day.

If you're a truck driver or someone who is always on the road, feel free to keep a novel, puzzle big or anything else with you to keep your mind off work and stimulate your brain when you take a break on the road or between jobs.

Make sure you keep your work environment neat and tidy, free of germs and unwanted rubbish. This will only disrupt your work routine and cause you to stress at how much rubbish or papers are building up around the place. Take the time out to tidy it up so you can finish decorating your work environment the way you want it be.

2. Take a short 1-2 minutes break every 30 minutes:

Taking a short break gives you a chance to step away from your desk, walk around the office and even socialise with other colleagues. It's also a good chance to get up, stretch your legs and back, get a drink and just focus your attention away from being in the same position all day. If you're sitting behind the computer for most of the day, it'll give your eyes a break and a chance to relax away from the bright screen. Short breaks can increase your mental stimulation during the day. By taking these short breaks, your mind has the chance to feel fresh and rejuvenated.

3. Enjoy your lunch break:

Most companies will offer you at least one break during your shift at work. Whether it's one main lunch break during the day for an hour or multiple tea breaks as well. Spend your lunch time wisely. Most companies will not pay you for your lunch break, so feel free to enjoy every minute of it. Spend your time somewhere you will enjoy such as in the park reading a book, walking around the shopping centre looking for clothes, or being active by going for a run. Exercising during your lunch break can also stimulate your body mentally and physically to keep your body feeling energetic for longer during the rest of the afternoon.

The last thing you want to do is have your lunch break wasted sitting somewhere you wouldn't want to be such as in a crowded food court or stuck sitting behind your desk (where you would otherwise be spending the majority of your work day).

4. Socialize with your colleagues:

Socialising with your colleagues gives you the chance to get your mind off your mundane work routine. It also gives you the opportunity to hear how your colleagues feel about things as well as being able to express your own personal feelings and emotions. Focus your conversation on thoughts and activities other than every day work. The last thing most people want to hear is complaining or having to listen to what goes on in a place where they already spend most of their work career. Socialising within the work place is important.

Face to face interaction essential. Typing on an instant messenger system or chatting over emails may work, but won't provide the same level of satisfaction as being able to see or speak to your colleagues face to face, whether it be during or outside of the general work hours.

5. Have a snack:

Eating a snack or drinks during the day gives you a chance to feel rejuvenated and focus your mind elsewhere. Consider having healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, nuts or canned foods such as chicken or tuna. Eating multiple small meals during the day will keep your brain active and keep you from feeling hungry throughout the day.

Before you know it, you might even have other colleagues in your work environment doing the same thing. Keep in mind that each of these things all make a difference in the overall bigger picture. It's also recommended that you apply these steps to other parts of your life where you may be looking to improve your mood such as at home or outside.