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ARTICLE - HAPPITUDE AT WORK

15 Ideas to Boost Your Happiness at Home and at Work

March 20th is the UN International Day of Happiness.

Of course, it’s important to realize we’re responsible for our own happiness 365 days a year – that’s 525.600 minutes to take action for a more positive mindset!

But dedicating a special day to it highlights the importance of happiness and wellbeing and shows people around the world this is something we should all be striving for in all aspects of our lives.

With everything that’s going on in the world at the moment, our happiness and wellbeing matters more than ever.

We might feel that it’s quite a hard thing to do at the moment given the world situation. Let’s actively remind ourselves that we cannot fix everything in the world, however we can try to have a positive impact within our circle and within our sphere of impact.

If everyone did it, the impact on the world would be huge.

Let’s notice that happiness in the workplace is often something that is overlooked, but the awesome thing is, there’s now a whole week dedicated to it later in the year.

Here are some “Happy Dates” for your diary:

With March 20th fast approaching, I want to share 15 ideas for how you can boost your happiness at home and at work.

But first, let’s answer the question:

Why is happiness so important?

Who doesn’t strive to be happy in life? It’s something we all want, but are you making it a priority?
It’s true that some people are happier than others – glass half full rather than glass half empty.

But did you ever consider it’s because they’re actively working on their own happiness?

“Happiness isn’t a given. It’s a skill, a mindset, an ATTITUDE!”

Happiness is something we can all achieve! If we practice enough, we can train our brains to see the positives before the negatives.
By becoming more mindful of our own happiness, we can take action to increase those feelings of positivity.

So how does this relate to the workplace?
Happiness is not a topic that comes up much at work. Many companies and leaders have the sense that it’s not professional to talk about “happiness”.

We need to change that! Multiple studies have proved that our well-being, happiness, and positive emotions have a huge impact on us at work.
We are more creative, engaged, productive, and motivated, we’re more open to new things, we stay with our companies longer, and … I could go on. The list is quite long!

So, happiness at work is a serious subject if it’s handled correctly.

Check out my previous article, which centers around talking about happiness at work:

Happiness at work: How to change the narrative:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/happiness-work-how-change-narrative-aurelie-litynski-/   

How can you celebrate the International Day of Happiness?*

Here are 15 practical ideas to help boost your happiness and the happiness of others around you:

*You don’t have to wait until March 20th to try any of these. And of course, you don’t have to do them all! But I hope these ideas will inspire you to start thinking about happiness (both at home and at work) and help you create a more positive routine.

 

🟡 1. Take a moment for yourself

Making some “me time” is extremely important if you want to be happier in all aspects of your life. You can’t be happier without working on it, so prioritize self care. Do something you love on the International Day of Happiness – and make a positive resolution to include it as part of your daily routine from now on.

🟡 2. Reflect on what you need to be “just” a bit happier

Take the time to ask yourself some introspective questions:

  •  What can I do to improve my own happiness?
  •  What really makes me happy?
  • What did I have the last time I was truly happy?

Once you understand these things, you will know what you need to do in order to improve your overall happiness.

🟡 3. Take the day off! 

 Use this day to do something you don’t usually have the time to do. What about that activity, day trip, or event you’ve always wanted to do or attend but keep putting off? March 20th is the perfect day for it – especially this year, as it’s a Sunday!

🟡 4. Be grateful for what you have

It’s important to spend some time thinking about what you have and what you’re grateful for – especially the small things you normally take for granted. Make a list or discuss it with your loved ones or your colleagues, and remember to say thank you to them for being there for you.

🟡 5. Do something kind for others

Why not try calling a friend to see how they are, bringing coffee/cakes in for your team at work, or cooking a surprise dinner for your partner, friends?

🟡 6. Show your appreciation 

Let your family, friends, or colleagues know you appreciate them by thanking them/recognizing their contributions. You could say:

  •  “Thank you so much.”
  •  “Thanks for your hard work.”
  • “You did great today.”
  • “I appreciated your help during the meeting.”

🟡 7. Send your encouragement to someone who needs it 

Simple words can make a huge difference:

  • “You can do it!”
  • “I believe in you!”
  • “You’re going to be great!”
  • “You’ll rock it!”

🟡 8. Give praise / positive feedback 

 A lot of the time, we fall into the trap of only providing feedback when there’s something to improve. It’s just as important – if not more so – to give regular positive feedback in the workplace.

I love the FBI methodology for giving feedback. If you’re not familiar with this practice, look out for my next newsletter. More to come then!

🟡 9. Send a virtual Kudo Card

Try happicards. It’s a quick and easy way to spread recognition, positivity, and encouragement.

These cards are a fun way to surprise your family, friends, and colleagues. Personalize your message to make someone smile on the International Day of Happiness!

🟡 10. Be with the people you appreciate the most

Maybe that means spending your coffee break with your favorite colleagues, having lunch with your bestie, or dinner with your partner …

Whatever your relationships, surround yourself with people who make you happy and enjoy the moment. Let this be the first get together of many!

🟡 11. Organize a surprise for your colleagues 

 Did you know, surprises boost our positive emotions? Organize a fun game or an ice breaker before starting a meeting or at an after-work get together.

🟡 12. Celebrate your regular wins

 Ask your team to reflect on and share their recent successes, small wins and create a “success wall” to post them on. These successes can be big or small – encourage them to keep it simple. It’s not a competition!

This is a great way of getting your team to realize how many amazing things you’ve actually achieved, even if you haven’t really thought about it lately. Think simple!

🟡 13. Ask your colleagues to share their highlight of the week 

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I do this every day, and I recommend it to all my clients too. Do it with your colleagues in meetings and at the end of the day with your family or friends. It can help you to reduce your negativity bias and remember all the small things that have made you feel good today/this week.

🟡 14. Spread happiness – emotions are contagious!

Inspire others to follow you on your happiness journey. Set an example and suggest new ideas. If something’s not working, try another approach. We will all find different ways to be happy. Create strategies for yourself and for your team.

🟡 15. Organize a session on Happiness at Work for your team 

 Companies need to focus more on happiness in the workplace. Luckily, there are many ways to implement strategies for happiness at work.

Start with a webinar, workshop, or a complete program. PM or email me to see what would work best for your organization! More info on my website.

 

Are you now ready to work on improving your happiness in your private and professional lives?

Remember: happiness is a skill – a mindset – an attitude!

Written by Aurelie Litynski – Happitude at Work GmbH 

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