“What would you like to be when you grow up?” Remember being asked that question when you first started school? All the kids shouted out what they want to be: astronaut, fireman, Beyonce, Superman or a movie star! But, with the exception of being Superman, how many of us followed our dreams?
You grew up and things got real
Yes. Rent, responsibilities, parenting – these are all things that being a grown-up are made of! Being a wannabe Superman doesn’t pay the bills, so our happy childhood dreams become exactly that: dreams.
But remember how they made you feel? They made you happy!
Here’s some good news: no matter what you are doing for a living, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be happy.
How do I get that good feeling back?
It doesn’t take a career-change: all you need are a few small adjustments, starting with a change in attitude and perspective.
A negative attitude only leads to clashes with colleagues and overall unproductivity, and if left unchecked…depression.
Engage with your colleagues. Your lunch break is not just your time to re-fuel your stomach for the rest of the day. Where you work isn’t as important as who you work with, so get to know your colleagues a little better – even the ones that you don’t find easy to connect with – give them a chance.
Remember, this is a professional environment and their skills may complement yours and together you could create fantastic work and further your career!
These shared experiences can help build bonds and they can be the start of strong friendships, too. Who knows? This may be your new BFF!
So, during your lunch hour, spend time chatting about interesting topics, crack a few jokes, have a few laughs.
Did you know that laughter:
- Releases endorphins that make you feel happy?
- Burns calories? A study conducted at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, found that 10-15 min of laughter per day can burn 50 calories? So, you’ll feel great emotionally and physically – talk about a win-win situation!
You can make your dreams can come true!
Not all of us are going to step out under the spotlights in front of 100,000 people, but you can bring that drive to the office, which will help you excel at your job. A positive attitude and engagement with those around you, will allow you to feel the way you did when you were a kid, eager and unafraid. Why? Because you and I are social people, and interacting releases those same good endorphins.
Ah, those were the good ol’ days – it’s time to bring them back!
Do you need any more advice about ways to enjoy a healthy and happy working environment? Hello Doctor is here for you. Simply download our app and subscribe to our service and one of our doctors will get back to you promptly to answer your questions.
Sources: Huffington Post, Huffington Post, WebMD