How To Make Your Office Space a Happier Place

Let’s be honest—the office is not always our favorite place to be. We’d rather be enjoying a nice glass (or two) of wine, or cuddled up on the couch with a good book, or still in bed buried beneath the duvet. But unfortunately, for most of us, those are not always available options…

Many of us actually spend most of our time at our workplace, and if it isn’t a place you can enjoy being, think about how many hours you’re wasting waiting for the day to be over! Being more positive and enjoying the workday is something I am continuously working on with myself—it’s not easy, but I think I am getting a little better at it every week.

Now, you might be thinking, “Well if my co-workers wouldn’t be so irritating and I didn’t have so much work to do, maybe I’d enjoy the day more!” Trust me, I hear you. Been there, will likely be there again. But other people’s actions aren’t something in my control.

What I like to do is surround myself with little things in my physical environment that make me smile.

Screensaver of personal photos

I like my computer screensaver in shuffle mode, rotating through my favorite people, places and latest adventures! And if I can, I like to keep it visible while working, instead of covered up by an email screen. It reminds me of my awesome life experiences and keeps me appreciative of the things I’ve done. And I can’t NOT smile with Cooper the Pooper shows up! :D

Happy Notes calendar

This was a genius Christmas gift given to me by my Mom one year, and has since become a yearly gift tradition. Instant Happy Notes is a day-to-day desk calendar that is filled with quotes, fun illustrations, and little phrases of joy to brighten your day! I make it a rule not to look ahead, so I have a fun little surprise every morning. And it doesn’t have to be Happy Notes—there are hundreds of desk calendars out there with quotes, inspiration, trivia, etc. Whatever makes you smile:)

Listen to music

I am lucky enough to work in an environment where I can listen to Pandora while I work. Music does amazing things for my mood! I like to mix it up every day—some days it’s Chris Young radio, some days it’s instrumental piano and when I’m feeling fun or need a little boost there’s a Disney station I can jam out to. I also reserve my favorite station, 90’s Country, for Friday’s only. It’s something I can look forward to every Friday and is like a “treat,” because it’s the only time I will listen to that station.

If you aren’t able to listen to music while you work, try jamming out to your favorite song in the car to pump you up before you start your day, or even during your breaks.

It’s all in the details

Surround yourself with things that make you feel joy! What makes you smile? What would make your day a little brighter? A Dunder Mifflin Office mug in honor of your favorite TV show? Cute little owl stickers that serve no other purpose other than to look cute? Colorful, pretty pens? Some funky magnets? A picture your daughter/son/granddaughter/grandson colored for you? Add them to your office space! Focus on these little things when work gets tough.

My office-mate went to the dollar store one day and brought back little trinkets for our department—bright flower pens, cute little stickers and a themed notepad. I thought it was the greatest thing ever! It made me smile! My pen doesn’t even work, but I keep it in my pencil cup because it’s bright pink and I love it and it reminds me that she took time out of her day to think of me and spread a little joy.

Take time to appreciate the small things

Enjoy that morning cup of coffee. Appreciate the sunshine outside. Be mindful of your thoughts. Think about how you got to where you are and, if it’s not where you want to be, how you can use your job as a stepping stone to achieve your long term goals in life.

Not every day is good, but there’s something good in every day:) Find it!

#Positivity #Happiness