How to Have a Good Day at Work

This article is from the November 2024 issue.

How often do you start your workday by jumping right in and getting down to work? You have so much to do that you just want to get started with something – anything so you don’t feel overwhelmed. 

Do you write down the things you want to do? Or do you usually just have a mental list of all the things you need to accomplish? There’s just so much to do. 

Do you go back and forth between tasks? Or do you focus on one thing at a time? Do you take breaks? Or do you power through so you can get everything completed?

How organized do you feel on those days? How productive do you feel? Are you physically and mentally exhausted? 

Chances are, if you are don’t begin your day in an organized manner, you may feel as if you’re running around in circles. You may feel drained (of energy and creativity). You may feel a high level of stress. What’s worse, you may reach a point where you feel burnt out, unmotivated, as if you just can’t do it (work) anymore.

None of these emotions help you to feel excited about work. What’s the solution? Do you quit your job? Do you quit working altogether? Are there other options?

Not every day is the same. Yes, you will have some days where you feel unproductive and unmotivated. But hopefully, you also have many more days where you begin with a positive attitude, you feel prepared and ready to face complex tasks and solve a variety of workplace challenges. Good days at work are days when you feel productive and accomplished in your role.

How can you have more good days at work? This article lists the benefits of having a good day at work, shares the steps you can take to ensure that you have a good day at work and offers a few tips to help you improve your workday.

The article offers truly useful suggestions. One idea that resonates with me is the need to take plenty of breaks. The author asserts that giving yourself breaks throughout the day can allow you to retain your focus and improve your mental health and well-being.

A second website gives a variety of healthy break activities which are no- to low-cost activities designed to encourage employees to take regular breaks even during the busiest workdays. The activities fall into one of three categories – calming, energizing or relaxing.

Another idea that I appreciate from the first article encourages us to surround ourselves with positive people. The author says, “If you’re finding it challenging to overcome certain obstacles at work, speak with team members who can offer you guidance and encouraging words. In addition, try to encourage a more positive work environment by offering similar affirmations to your team members. Offer help to others if they seem overwhelmed or stressed.”

You may not be able to incorporate all the suggestions and activities from these two sources. Just start where you are and do what you can. 

If you find that you need more help to get motivated to make it through your workday than what is included in the articles, you may want to consider talking to someone. A professional counselor can help you work through your thoughts and feelings and help you discover ways to manage them as you consider available options.  

It’s okay not to be okay. It’s also okay to ask for help. It may take courage, but it will be worth the effort.

Resources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Find Treatment

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