If you’re operating on the standard 9 to 5 schedule during the week, there are easy ways to have more fun at work. Even if you’re still a few steps away from scoring that dream promotion, you can still make your current position as enjoyable as possible. With these 7 tips, you’ll reduce stress and bring your best you to the table. Are you ready to make work exciting again?
One of the first ways to have more fun at work is to make sure you’re not starving all morning. If your stomach is crying out for food as you’re giving that big presentation, how much are you really enjoying yourself? As I’m heading to the office each morning, I stop by a breakfast cart for a large coffee and bagel. The friendly interaction with the cart owner gets me pumped for another day (and so does the extra-strong coffee).
My personal favorite way to have more fun at work is to be friendly – and that doesn’t merely apply to the coworker who sits next to you. Hold the door for an intern struggling with packages, chat with someone on the elevator, or write a friendly note to a colleague who’s been going through a rough patch.
As an intern in the publishing industry, the workload was tough and the stress levels were high all around. But every time I brought in a tray of freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies, the atmosphere in the office instantly transformed from rainy day-drab to sunshine-bright. While the sweet treats may have wreaked havoc on my diet, they were irresistibly mood lifting and yummy!
A surefire way to have more fun at work is to take that lunch break. Your entire lunch break – I mean it. There’s nothing like noshing on a sandwich in the park, sunglasses on and book in hand. And by taking a walk after you eat, you’ll be less likely to succumb to post-lunch drowsiness brought on by an overstuffed stomach. Just remember: you aren’t a machine, so don’t treat your mind or your body like one.
I’ll be the first to admit that my desk is decked out in bright hues, photo collages of my gal pals and me, and a trinket here or there. If you’re already sure that a neon-themed office space won’t fly, stick to a simple family photo and patterned planner. Bid adieu to your boring black, grey, and white cubicle!
A vital way to have more fun at work is to learn when to lighten up and laugh at yourself. For example, if your heel suddenly breaks or the new fan blows your papers across the hall, crack a joke and get on with your day. Your coworkers will appreciate your great sense of humor and you’ll avoid an unnecessary meltdown. It’s what I’d like to call a win-win situation for everyone.
The sooner you realize that your boss will make mistakes, the better off you’ll be. Whether she’s prone to morning moodiness or occasionally forgets to respond to your e-mails, remember that nobody has it together all of the time –even you! However, if you’re suffering at the hand of a horrible boss, keep your head held high, because after 5 o’clock, you’ll be searching for the gig of your dreams.
These are a few of the simplest yet most effective ways to have more fun at work. Which tips are you going to try tomorrow morning? What are some of your own ways to have fun at work?
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