Are you an introvert or extrovert?
It helps to know which one are you, so you can be aware how you get your energy. There is some misunderstanding on this subject. Sometimes extroverts are perceived as more popular and introverts are considered suitable only for specific workplaces/jobs.
I believe, there is some misunderstanding here. Introverts can be highly outspoken people, very social and fun, but the difference from extroverts is that they regain their energy from solitude, while extroverts get their energy talking to people.
Let’s say you had big project you just finished. An extrovert will share the success with coworkers and probably celebrate, while the introvert needs to reboot alone and is then able to join celebration.
Knowing how you reboot your energy will help you take better care of yourself.
Breaks during the day.
In most offices it’s not possible to be in a quiet place all the time. Most workplaces are designed in a way that we are forced to interact at all times. Most of the time we take our breaks with our coworkers, because we don’t want to be rude, while all we really want is to be on our own for 5-10 minutes without any talks.
If you don’t have quiet rooms at your office, go out to get fresh air for 5 min alone. Just take a break from the noise and all the information. Do a quick meditation in the bathroom if you can get away for a few minutes. Refreshing your mind will help make it easier to get through the day.
Notice what foods make you tired.
For example, I’ve noticed that when I eat only veggies and protein for lunch, and drink water, I’m more likely to feel tired around 2-3 pm. When I eat carbs, my blood sugar drops and those afternoon cravings are on. Snack on healthy foods like nuts, carrots and protein.
Stretch your body.
Do as many stretching exercises as possible at work, especially neck, shoulders, back. Also remember to exchange between the sitting/standing position while you’re at your desk. I stand often times at work, because by standing I use my muscles more than simply sitting there.. I have less tension in my shoulders and back. A few yoga stretches every morning does wonders too, both to mind and body.
Let some information go.
Clean your email box and delete 5 emails each day, so they don’t pile up. Keep your phone on silent when you need to focus and close that Facebook. See if you feel any difference at the end of the day?
Focus on HOW, not WHAT.
So, you’re not crazy about your current job. While you’re figuring it out make an effort to give your best. Focus on how you do what you do at your job, not what it is that you do. It changes everything. How we think, what/who we attract to us and besides that you’ll feel good knowing you put quality out there even though it’s not what you’re passionate about. See it as a practice. If you can bring quality to a job you don’t love, imagine the standard you can bring to the work you do love. It’s all about our own attitude.
Play at work.
Bring what you enjoy to your work. Let’s say it’s music, books, drawing, photography. Why not carry some music with you and listen to some on your break. Or take your camera out on your way to work. Read when you can. The truth is, if we wait for the perfect moment to do what we love, we’re either too tired or simply don’t even find time. So, get creative and bring your passion to work.
Let’s assume you have 20 min. break and 30 min for lunch. Then you have 20 m x 5 every week in the middle of your cubicle job to actually do what you love and are passionate about. That will affect your state of being and your work too. I promise.
Become an agent of happiness.
This is about work environment you can control. Don’t participate it gossiping, surprise your co workers with cake on an average Monday, smile, say good morning, drop your social mask and just be you. Don’t buy into the corporate competitive, back stabbing and namedropping. Be true to your core values.
Photo Credit: TheChanel
