Even those who totally love their job can sometimes feel stifled by having to stay in the office 8 hours a day, five days a week. Here are some ways to make your work area a little more fun and inspiring—and what you can do when you’re getting a little stir crazy.
Add a touch of home
While you don’t want to litter your desk area with tons of photo frames and cute stuffed animals, a few personal mementos can help add life (and some of your personality) into your work space. Try a very meaningful souvenir that can trigger memories of a special time in your life, or a single photo (in a classy frame) of the most important people in your life. You can also have a small potted indoor plant.
Go for a walk
Even just a ten minute walk can help you clear your head and get some perspective on any problem or stressor. The boost in circulation will also raise your energy levels and leave you inspired (or at least, a little less grumpy). Ideally you should go outdoors, but if that’s not possible even just a quick walk up and down the stairs is a lot better than sitting slumped in your chair, staring into space.
Load your mp3 player with nature sounds
The sound of the waves or birds in a forest can be very relaxing, and momentarily transport you out of the office confines and to the beach vacation or camping trip that you’re dying to book. If you’re into meditation you can also download Buddhist chants or instrumental music.
Buy some fun supplies
If we have to sit through a boring meeting, we might as well have fun taking down notes. Get a cute notebook and pens in different colors. Stock your drawer with pretty paper clips. Decorate your bulletin board or file folder with scrapbook embellishments.
Read our other tips on how to motivate yourself when you dread work.
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