We all know that it’s hard to keep your cool when you’re juggling several ongoing tasks and trying to manage yours and everyone else’s schedule. Somedays, your positivity can really take a beating, especially when your tired. That can make even the best of us really cranky and can even affect your health.
No doubt that at some point you’ve already heard or read some article that positivity boosts your immune system. Not only that, when you are positive, you are open to new ideas and tend to be more creative. So how do you keep a positive attitude at work when your workload is full to the brim? Here are some tips:
Be a bright ray of sunshine – how? Stop complaining. No one wants to be around a professional complainer. You know, that somebody who always has something that doesn’t live up to his/her expectations. There will always be something to complain about and there will always be things, people, situations that will upset you. Be flexible enough to ride it out and hold your tongue when you feel the urge to complain. People will remember you as a trooper – one who is unfazed by hard times and challenges.
Hang out with positive people – even if you aren’t one, their positivity will rub off on you. Find people who are unrelenting optimists at heart. Those that have kind words or a keen sense of humour. Find those who always have a solution and are helpful. Those who have kind words and don’t gossip. They will be your new tribe.
Be kind – treat other people as you would like to be treated. Show empathy. If others are having a rough day, it will show. Try to understand where they’re coming from ust as you would like to be understood when you’re having a slightly off day. It’s hard to do when everyone is busy or swamped with work. But try to have a kind word for everyone you interact with at work – we all need a handout when the going gets tough.
Find something to laugh about – I once laughed at a lemon for 2 straight minutes. Backstory: I was having a day where nothing seems to be working for me but then my brother got home with a bag of lemons he got from a market sale. For some reason I thought about Lemony Snicket’s “a series of unfortunate events” and we had a laugh at a bag of lemons. That changed my mood completely. So go ahead, take a break and watch some cat videos. Find something to laugh about. I promise you’ll feel better after.
Own your mood – nothing and nobody should have the power to dictate your mood or upset you. You have the power to decide if the busted copier is worth letting out a string of expletives or a chance to get a coffee break while you call support for repairs.
Do you have any tips for staying positive at work? Share them with us in the comments. Stay humble and hustle hard.
Written by Jaie O. The Help