Some days going to work is a grind. Dreary commuting. Repeatedly walking in the door. How do you avoid the negativity?
Worked a lot of places in a 40+ year career, and it is not just your company. Negativity comes at us from everywhere. This time of the year doesn't help coming to work in the dark either. Nor do I like coming off daylight savings time, just feels gloomy.
That said, here are ways make work more rewarding for yourself and your coworkers:
Gratitude starting the morning
Have a job, people & family like/love in my life. Warm bed. Decent health. I get to work with good people. Gratitude does not have to be anything big. Faith helps. Focus on the good as groggily try and get out the door.
Laugh
Councilor I know taught stressed out financial industry people to read the comic pages before starting work. Really improved teamwork, productivity and office collaboration. I listen to radio getting dressed & driving in and find something to smile about. Fortunate to laugh at my own foibles. "Those of us who can laugh at ourselves will be endlessly entertained." – Unknown
Eat healthy and exercise
If you feel good, easier when you need to put in extra effort. A walk often improves your mood. Look around for whatever makes you happy.
Learn something
Always learning something new, might use or will be helpful in future brings joy.
Build community around you
Smile. Greet people. Find out how they are today. Find something in common like families, hobbies, work or sports to talk about. Does not take much time. Some people respond only after 6 month to a year, and usually shocked/pleased when the breakthrough comes. Benefit comes when working/moving all over factory & offices if can say hi to one person, am okay, and then other people will work with me.
What you feel is not unusual. These are rewarding ways I learned to stay involved, productive, and enjoy my days. I plan to work another decade before a long active retirement. Enjoy your career as well.
