Do you constantly find yourself moaning about your colleagues? Wanting to cry at the sight of your to-do list?
Well, we’re afraid to say you won’t achieve happiness in the workplace anytime soon, according to new research.
Instead what you should be doing is focusing on things that do make you happy – and not giving the negatives a second thought. Couldn’t be simpler, right?
The ‘three good things’ rule is what it says on the tin: at the end of the day, think of three things that make you happy.
Researchers say this ‘intervention’ can reduce stress, relieve headaches and muscle tension, and boost wellbeing.
They tested the technique on a group of people, who after three weeks felt more creative at work and could switch off more easily at home.
Joyce Bono and Theresa Glomb, the people behind the research, wrote in the Harvard Business Review, ‘This simple practice – writing about three good things that happened – creates a real shift in what people think about, and can change how they perceive their work lives.’
‘It can also create a feedback loop that enhances its impact: we believe that people who reflect on good things that happened during the day are more likely to share those things with family and friends. Sharing positive events with others creates connections between people and bonds them with one another, further reducing evening stress.
‘Ultimately, this also improves sleep, which our ongoing research suggests leads to greater alertness and better mood – which in turn leads to more positive things happening the next day.’
Excuse us while we go off and make that list!
