by Doris Helge, Ph.D. © 2009

Winter blues don’t have to blast happiness at work. You can break out of a slump and boost your joy on the job. Certain “mood foods” contribute to a calm, serene psyche that enhances happiness at work.

ENJOY “GOOD MOOD FOODS”

Certain foods contribute to a calm, serene state of being that feeds happiness at work. Calcium and B vitamin rich foods, such as unsalted raw almonds or sunflower seeds and yogurt can refuel you during challenging times. Nuts are also rich in fiber, so they stave off craving for sugar-stuffed snacks that drain your energy and create the crash-and-burn symptom that squashes peak performance. Sugar fixes make gray winter skies seem much darker.

USE THE POWER OF YOUR POSTURE

Slouching creates shallow breathing and tension. Because we are hardwired in a way that our body is linked to our mood, poor posture is also related to depression and tension headaches. Notice how much different you feel when you sit up straight and purposely feel the sensations you felt last time you successfully completed a project.

GIVE STRESS A REST

Celebrate even tiny accomplishments.  Focus more on what you’ve accomplished than on what you need to do. Optimism is a learned behavior. This means we can always choose happiness.

SAY NO TO “SAD”

If you are one of millions who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), a condition related to changes in environmental light in the winter, compensate with full-spectrum bulbs and brief walks outside whenever possible.

CONTROL HOW COLOR AFFECTS YOU

Treat yourself to colors in your environment that you associate with a happy or a calm mood. For many people, blues and pinks provoke peacefulness and trust. Decorate your private space according to your preferences.  You always have some control over your work environment, even if your space is so limited that you can only place a cloth with your favorite color around your computer or decorate an office shelf.

ENJOY RICH, REWARDING RELATIONSHIPS

Connect with other people because humans are hardwired to feel better through connections. If you feel isolated within your immediate work area, volunteer to help someone. Mentoring is a proven mood booster, whether you mentor someone in your own work environment or another area.

SNIFF YOUR WAY TO A SMILE

Studies show that you can also blast winter blahs by using essential oils. In fact, quality essential oils can produce profound positive effects.

Researchers at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia discovered that specific fragrances can ward off fatigue and reduce anxiety while increasing alertness. Some Japanese companies routinely waft certain scents, such as lemon, through air vents to increase motivation and productivity.

Peppermint and cinnamon enhance mental ability and performance. Peppermint can even mend a bad mood, especially if the emotional state is related to fatigue. Bergamot and rose also lift gloomy spirits.

Cautions:
• Nurturing fragrances are no substitute for deep sleep.
• The results you gain from using essential oils will be related to the quality of the product you use.

DIRECT YOUR OWN DRAMA AT WORK

Take charge of your personal well-being. The side benefits of happiness at work are enormous. Studies show that your productivity, income, and health will be improved. Reports also show that your relationships, both on the joy and at home, will also improve.

GET MORE VALUABLE INFORMATION

You can get more information right now to help you blast winter blues. Here are examples of highly-rated articles on the “More Joy On The Job” blog, http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com.

•”Achieve Happiness at Work by Curing Winter Blues and S.A.D.”
•”Blast the Blues at Work (S.A.D., Depression, Fatigue, etc.”)
•”Should You Go to Work When You’re Sick?”

Spread the word. Everyone you know wants to enjoy more happiness at work this winter.

Visit http://www.FreeJoyOnTheJobEbooks.com now and GET YOUR FREE  EBOOKS:  “Secrets of  Happiness at  Work,” “Employee Engagement Made  Easy,”  and  “Get  the  Respect & Appreciation You  Deserve  Now.”  Doris Helge, Ph.D.,  is “The  Joy  Coach.” Dr. Helge is 100% dedicated to your happiness and  success.  She is also a corporate trainer for companies as large as Microsoft.

©  2009. This article was excerpted with permission from “Joy on the Job” by Doris Helge, Ph.D.  Permission to reprint this article is granted if the article is in  tact, with proper credit given.  All reprints must state “Reprinted with permission by  Doris Helge, Ph.D.  Originally published in “Joy on the Job,” http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com ©  2009.

Share it

Hide Sites