I recently received an email from a colleague who signed with a "Have a great day!" and thought how many times I have done the same. The intent of course is to support the positives that in a day may be filled with challenges, disappointments and dare I say - excuses. Instead, we have the opportunity to truly make our days into the best day ever. It starts with attitude. Choose the wrong one and your day is filled with complaints - yours and others. Choose the right one and you can handle the challenges along the way.
If you are low on the positive attitude, you can lift your
spirits right now by using some of the following strategies. The more items you tackle, the bigger the boost you'll receive.
Energize your environment. Clear some physical and mental space around your desk by sorting papers, pitching junk, put away supplies, or sending out quick responses. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming; with a few minutes of focused effort, you can make a sizeable dent. Try this - anything that can be completed in less than one minute will give you twice the amount of energy to tackle any and all incomplete projects.
Incompletions, aka THE nagging task. Make a list of tasks for the day. You could start by answering a difficult email, purchase something you need, or making that dentist's appointment. Crossing an annoying chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and optimism.
Do a good deed. So it's not your day to make coffee. Do it anyway and watch the smiles when people walk in and find a fresh cup waiting for them. At the very least, the person whose turn it was will notice and that's more than enough. Want to do more? The next time you see trash on the floor, make a point of picking it up and putting it in the nearest trash container. There are lots of little things that need attention. So make it a point to do a good deed whenever and wherever.
Lift your mood with music. People who watch American Idol or Glee have a tendency to join in; that is they start to mouth the words, clap hands, or move to the beat. If you want to have a day of energy, listen to your favorite music. Studies show that listening to music is one of the most effective ways to boost your energy and mood (second only to exercise). In fact, in one study, 92% of people felt happier when they listened to music they liked.
Boost your energy: stand up and pace while you talk on the phone. At lunch time, take a brisk ten-minute walk outside. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up, and the activity and sunlight are good for your focus, your mood, and the retention of information. You will feel better, smile more, and help people around you feel energetic too.
Socialize! The day gets busy and weeks go by without seeing your friends. Make a lunch date or send an email to a friend you haven't seen in a while. Invite them to attend the museum, go to a sporting event, or host a Movie Nite. Making plans is groundwork for fun and increases your level of happiness endorphins. Take the time to stay in touch!
Make it special. One of the most important part of the day is to do something special for you. Order a book you've been wanting to read or plan a weekend excursion to someplace that you've been wanting to go to: a special B & B, the updated restaurant featuring a celebrity chef, or a special concert-whatever sounds like fun. Having fun on a regular basis is a pillar of happiness, and anticipation is an important part of that pleasure. Try to involve friends or family, as well; people enjoy almost all activities more when they're with other people than when they're alone.
Sherry Greenleaf, RCC
Author
IMPACT Training & Development of Ohio
