Staff-Smart New York, Inc.

Since Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, we are just full of love! We want you to feel love for the many things in your life too. No matter how much you love what you do, sometimes it can just get boring, or annoying, or overwhelming. You will develop some negative feelings towards your job at some point in your life. Reality is, everyone wants to be involved in fulfilling, rewarding ideals, get recognition for hard work, and be appreciated at your place of business. At the same time, you want to fulfill your other needs like having a full, social life outside of the office. You spend 40 hours sometimes more per week at work, so your happiness during that time is not to be taken lightly! Take time to make your days better, and you will find that you will have a happier you in every aspect of your life. Here are 9 ways for you to improve your daily life at work.

1. Get motivated in the morning.

Some people need 5 cups of coffee, others like to shower or take a half hour to head to the gym for some yoga. Whatever it is that gets your creative juices flowing, do it. Being centered to start your day could change your attitude for the whole day.

2. Keep your work in perspective.

Consider the bigger picture. You should apply this concept to everything in your life. Overall, how do you want your work to look? How do you want to be perceived? You can only do your best all things considered. If you do just that, you not only will have great results but you will have peace of mind too.

3. You are more than your work.

Make SURE that you have some work/life balance. You should not be defined by what you do in the office. Having only one important thing in your life means that you have put too many of your eggs in just one basket. What if your company all of a sudden decides to downsize? You need to have a support system, again keep things in perspective. Know your priorities!

4. Plan your time, make lists.

To-do lists are awesome. Personally, I am an organizational freak, I like to have things in order and when things go missing, I have a slight panic attack. Creating a to-do list forces your brain to think about all the tasks on your plate and you are already organizing them in your head. It also gives you something to reference later on.

5. Know exactly what is expected of you.

Ask questions, always. It is much better to know what you are supposed to do, rather than find out later you missed something. CC your boss on important emails. Make sure that you are covering your butt!

6. Take breaks.

It’s nearly impossible to be 100% focused for ANY long length of time. Take a mental break for 5 minutes every hour. Your mind and body need to re-focus and recharge. This can improve your work. Have healthy snacks by your side at all times, you can’t be productive if all you’re thinking about is the delivery pizza you want to order when you get home.

7. RELAX!!

It is hard to work with someone who doesn’t keep things in perspective. Think about your future self, in 10 years will you really still care, or even remember this incident? If you have your family, and you have your health…are there more important things in life?

8. Make your workplace more pleasant.

Put pictures up of your favorite moments. Buy a pen cup that says “saving for shoes.” Create a basket for things you use everyday; that lotion you love the smell of, your chapstick and a stash of granola bars. Feeling comfortable in your space is so important, don’t take that for granted.

9. Review your day before heading home.

Take the last 10 minutes of your work day and make sure that you have completed all the tasks you need to. Any loose ends that need to be tied that you don’t have time for, add to your to-do list for tomorrow. Reward yourself for days that are overly productive! You deserve it!

What do you do to improve your work day?