Sunday afternoon… for many, a difficult time to accept: the weekend is over and tomorrow we have to return to the work routine.
Some people don’t have it and miss it a lot, but others who have jobs can’t enjoy it and find Monday a difficult day to overcome. In fact, 23.4% of Spanish workers are unhappy at work, a percentage that has increased by almost five points since 2011 despite the end of the crisis, according to the 7th Adecco Survey on “Happiness at Work . “
This figure is leading to an increase in absenteeism, a problem that cost Spain 75.875 billion in 2016, 24% more than the previous year.
To help avoid the so-called “Sunday afternoon syndrome,” IMF Business School proposes 10 keys to being happier at work. We’re reproducing them for your convenience:
1-Rest is necessary. Many studies show that sleeping at least six hours a day is necessary to be able to perform and start the day with energy.
2-Keep your body and mind active. Continuing to learn, not only at your job but also through specialized courses or studies, is essential to staying active and motivated. So is doing some form of physical exercise, even if it’s just walking or climbing stairs.
3- Don’t procrastinate. “Putting off until tomorrow what you can do today” increases stress and lack of motivation. It’s necessary to keep track and be organized with pending tasks to keep up with your workload. It’s exhausting to leave things halfway done.
4- Maintain a healthy diet. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), nutritional deficiencies reduce productivity by up to 20%. It’s important to eat well and healthily, something we sometimes lose sight of when we’re working.
5- Disconnecting is necessary. It’s very important to take advantage of work breaks, such as lunch, to get some fresh air and talk about other topics; it’s not all about work.
Furthermore, we must learn to differentiate between work and free time. The simple fact of working at the right time makes us more productive and happier, in general.
6- At the office, as at home. It’s important to make our workplace a pleasant place where we enjoy spending time. Studies suggest that people with anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD have olfactory hypersensitivity, so incorporating a few details like an air freshener with our favorite scent can lead to greater happiness.
7-Flexibility in the face of new challenges. Change always brings new learning experiences, fears, and opportunities. Therefore, it’s important to approach them with an attitude of openness and flexibility.
8- Promote a good work environment. Having a good working relationship with colleagues is one of the determining factors for happiness at work. Therefore, getting along, being respectful and kind, as well as discussing daily concerns and needs with other employees improves the work environment.
9- Being happy is a matter of attitude. You have to maintain a positive attitude, choose to be optimistic, and surround yourself with optimistic people at work. Some studies have shown that a person’s happiness depends largely on the happiness of the people they surround themselves with.
10. Don’t be afraid of change. If we’re truly unhappy in our jobs, we shouldn’t be afraid and should look for a new one.
