by Abdulganiyu Ibrahim | Jun 11, 2021 | Personal Growth
Work can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean happiness can’t be achieved.
Zach Holmquist
I was always glued to this statement made whenever I was off to where I worked as a fashion stylist in a fashion house before my admission into the university. Though the work required much time and attention so as to meet up the deadline, but because I was so compassionate about it, I always try to create an environment of happiness for myself.
With that, I would know I am not robbed of two benefits, which are fat income and happiness. So, therefore, I took some measures which I will be sharing with you today, that have really helped keep me in staying happy at work.
Before I start with my happiness tips, I will like you to know what it means to be happy
To be happy means allowing yourself not to be unhappy. Being happy also means showing or causing feelings of pleasure and enjoyment, which literally means that you are totally far from being hapless.
Helpful Tips That Will Help You Stay Happy and Motivated at Work
1. Learn Self Compensation
This is mostly what I do when I started to feel less motivated on the work at hand. By trying to bribe me with the posit that “if I am able to finish this work effectively and efficiently from this time to this time”, then I would be compensated with a menu. So with this, it kept me happy throughout the work because I know something is waiting for me as a reward.
You don’t have to wait for compensation from anyone to motivate and make you happy at your workplace, if you know you meet up with your expectation and that of your employer on the job given, then it will be nice to give yourself some incentive. Doing so, will not only make you happy but also boost your productivity because you have tasks yourself and you know there is something as a reward. In short, promise yourself some reward after work.
This will help in keeping you happy for the rest of the day.
2. Learn How to Work Out
Early morning exercise at least 30 minutes makes the body energetic, active and fulfilled at work. Because it has been concluded by health practitioners that it helps release the toxins which always leads to weariness and tiredness.
Thus, engaging in early-day exercises like jogging, press up, walking, rope skipping, swimming, and the likes will make you satisfied that your body is all set to combat the work ahead. And therefore, it will leave this sign of happiness on your face even before you get to your place of work.
3. Smile More Often
When you smile, it leads to the release of dopamine to the brain which gives happiness a chance. A smile does not only have a positive effect on your body but also has more to do in-term of your productivity because a customer who knows you to be the smiling type will never trade that smile with your competitor that has a frown or glower face on.
Always have a reason to wear a smile, whether fake or original. Unless if not smiling, makes you happy.
4. keep the Pictures of Your Loved Ones on Your Table
One of the ways to remain happy and excited at work is having the portrait of your loved ones; mostly the one there is a chemistry between you both on your desk. This particular picture will stand in place of her at work. And because you won’t want to disappoint her, you will try as much as possible to work not only effectively, but with a sense of happiness in you.
But maybe there is no room for a portrait on the desk, try to picture her in your head. This will go a long way. Because, when you see your love you’ll feel happy and excited. Same as when you think about them, your brain will react the same way.
5. Listen to Your Best Music
This reminds me of when the day is getting boring at my place of work and will want to slow down my pace, What I usually do is turn on my music. And before I know, the vibe is back. Though at first, I didn’t know how that works for me, until when I went on a visit to my uncle’s office who is a therapist. Coincidently, he was speaking about music as a tool for getting rid of your sad and boring moments.
However, It was there I was made to know that music helps in the release of dopamine to the brain also as does smile which therefore makes you happy.
6. Give Yourself Enough Rest
Be sure to get enough sleep, at least 8 hours on a stretch. This will help in relieving you from weariness, tiredness and help recharge the body’s batteries. So, therefore, making you well recharged and happy the following day.
According to the American Psychological Association, Americans who get more sleep on average tend to be healthier, happier and safer. A lot of people work throughout the day and night. But it will be an advantage for you to know that there is happiness and relief in that sleep you did not count as anything.
Conclusion
A company with happy employees could increase their sales by 37%, productivity by 31%, which directly contribute toward building a high-performance work environment and improves the quality of life for all people involved with the work.
Shawn Achor, The Happiness Advantage
In conclusion, happiness altogether is a highly subjective experience. But I will live you with the above quote to ponder. Do tell me what you think in the comments box. If you enjoyed this, you should check out these hacks that will make you very likeable at work.
by Happiness Hassan | Apr 16, 2021 | Family & Parenting
I need you to picture yourself arriving late for an appointment. Unfortunately, you lost the contract you’ve worked hard for. Heading back home in disappointment, it begins to rain, while hurrying to take shelter, a reckless driver drove past you and spilt muddy water on your outfit. What would be your mood at that instance? An ample number of persons give in to anger, transfer of aggression, retaliating with harsh words, smashing valuables, oftentimes shedding tears to let the pain out.
However, your body and mood begin to return to normality after you’ve relaxed, perhaps taken a nap. You start seeking encouragement to comfort yourself, while in that process, flashbacks on the damages you did a few hours ago start replaying in your head, and you wonder “how on earth did you do all that”? Most times you feel you’re been manipulated by an unknown force and can’t find an explanation. Well, the resultant effect of your mood at all times is controlled by your emotions. Therefore, it’s necessary to know how to recognize emotions, likewise learn to manage them to prevent hurting yourself and others.
What are Emotions?
Emotions are intense feelings with biological origin resulting from neuropsychological changes in the human body. Connected with one’s temperament, behaviour, personality, thoughts, moods, creativity, and motivation.
Where Does Emotion Come From?
Psychologists believe emotions are the results of changes within the body, derived from the heart. While neurologists proposed that emotions are produced by the brain. The brain coordinates everything within the body including emotions.
The brain contains a limbic system that houses various tissues in charge of controlling emotions, also, emotions are coded into the DNA. These issues include;
The hypothalamus which is in charge of sexual response, hormone release, and temperature regularly
The amygdala regulates responses to things happening around such as fear and pleasure.
The hippocampus is responsible for preserving and retrieving memories.
There limbic cortex controls mode, inspiration, motivation, and judgment.
Why Are Emotions Important?
Humans rarely pay attention to their feelings until it gets out of control. The decisions you make daily are influenced by your emotions. Likewise, Our response to our environment and situation around.
Mastering your emotions prevents hurts and enables you to coordinate yourself. If your emotions control you, definitely your entire life becomes disarranged. How to recognize emotions are necessary to aid you to control them and channel your energy in the right direction.
Categories Of Emotions
1. Negative Emotions
These are sets of feelings, behaviour, and response which inflict discomfort, pain, and damages on the initiator and those around. Once these emotions begin to control a person, his energy is channelled in the wrong direction.
Furthermore, staying on negative emotions for long increases stress hormones and eventually affects your health negatively. How to recognize emotions with negative effects are easy to spot on the surface and is controlled majorly by the amygdala. There are so many types of negative emotions;
1. Anger
A state of displeasure and hostility. Control by the amygdala in the brain. There is a release of a chemical known as catecholamines which leads to an outburst of energy. Signs of anger include;
- Sweaty palms
- Frown looks
- Forming fist
- Increase in heartbeat
- Grinding of teeth
- Clenching jaw
- Shaking and trembling
- Sarcastic responses
- Yelling and shouting
- Depression
- Absence of humor.
2. Fear
This is a state of being terrified and uncomfortable induced by someone or something. To recognize fear lookout for the following;
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Sweating uncontrollably
- Raised of eyebrows
- Discomfort in the stomach
- Trembling
- Nervousness
- Short breath
- Quick short movement.
3. Sadness
A mental disorder with a feeling of depression, unhappiness, and worthlessness. Oftentimes, when things don’t go as planned sadness steps in. Likewise, when one experiences a loss. Methods use in recognizing that one is sad includes;
- Self-isolation
- Lack of focus/concentration
- Unenthusiastism
- Tiredness
- Moody looks
- Despair
- Too much sleep or lack of sleep
- Quietness
- Loss of interest
- Emptiness
- Tearful
4. Jealousy
It’s a feeling of resentment, envy, fear, and insecurity towards someone or something. This is caused by low self-esteem. Signs of jealousy include;
- Giving of false compliment
- Hatred
- Quick to criticize
- Judgmental
- Unnecessary show-off
- Unhealthy comparison
- Celebrate failure
- Ignore achievement
5. Loneliness
Research shows that adults above 65 years feel the heat of loneliness more. Loneliness is a feeling of separation and abandonment. How to recognize emotions displaying loneliness include;
- Sleeplessness
- Unproductiveness
- Drawn to possession
- Negative thought system
- Easily gets annoyed
- Frequent illness
- Tiredness
- Cut-off from others.
2. Positive Emotions
These are sets of pleasurable sensations that are always desirable. Once activated it brings peace and enthusiasm. It erases a pessimistic attitude, gives your reasons to live, reasons to help others, and guides you to make profitable decisions. Also, it’s a feeling of gratitude, influenced by the amygdala in the limbic system. There are so many types of positive emotions.
1. Happiness
I honestly think happiness is being present and finding joy in every moment
Aimee Marino
Therefore, Happiness is a choice to maintain inner peace despite your current circumstances. How to recognize true happiness entails;
- Open-minded
- Worrying less
- Thankfulness
- Supportive/Encouraging
- Living in the moment
- Celebrate good
- Enjoy nature
- Love/value yourself
- Laughing out loud
2. Contentment
A neurological feeling of happiness and satisfaction with one’s current stage of life while hoping for something higher. Signs to note about contentment includes;
- Being true to yourself
- Setting your needs within your financial carrying capacity
- Humility
- Confidence in one strength And talent
- Cheerful mood
- Been realistic
- Healthy routine
- Lack of envy and greed
3. Love
It’s an emotional feeling of affection and attraction towards someone or something which propels you to the extent of sacrificing your all to see them happy.
Hence, they are included as one of your priorities. To tell if you’re in love or someone loves you, check out for the following signs;
- Selflessness
- Spending time with loved ones
- Constant thought about what you love
- Notice every little change about that person or thing.
- Speak about that person/thing all the time.
- Cherish and values that person/thing.
- Openness
- Feeling of happiness around that person/things.
- Been caring
4. Trust
It’s the state of dependability and reliability on someone or in your ability. Signs of trust includes;
- Respect boundaries
- Commitment
- Gratitude.
- Confident
- Loyalty
- Doesn’t compromise
- Forgives easily
- Consistency
5. Positive Anticipation
This is an eager expectation for an upcoming event. Positive anticipation induces emotions to cope with stress and disappointment.
How to recognize positive anticipation emotions is often trickish because not everyone can differentiate between positive or negative anticipation. Signs include;
- Hyper activeness
- Cognizant
- Positive thought
- Happiness
- Planning and orderliness
- Been nervous
- Hope
- Alertness
How To Manage Emotions
In addition to how you can recognize your emotions, here are ways to control them most especially the negative emotions.
1. Give Yourself Space
The moment you discover two to three signs of your predominant emotions is displaying, deep within you, you’re aware of the usual out-burst around people.
Immediately, excuse yourself from among others to prevent further retaliation, especially signs of anger and jealousy.
2. Develop a Thankful Heart
Don’t spend your entire day complaining about what isn’t right, use that period to appreciate the wonderful things in your life, around you, and in the lives of others.
A thankful heart is an antidote to loneliness and sadness.
3. Take control of Your Emotions
Your emotions are subjected to your will depending on how you use them. For instance when the light goes off, usually you begin to panic due to darkness.
However, don’t give in to fear, decide to take control and search for the nearest source of light, probably your phone. By so doing your bravery and courage comes alive.
4. Generating Positive Energy Helps Manage Negative Emotions
To trash out, negative emotions surround yourself with Positive personalities. Who would encourage you to live out your best version?
Also, read, watch, and listen to something that fills your mind with positivity and hope.
5. Consider Others Before Giving in to Negative Emotions
Your emotions may appear superior to your will and you assume you can’t control it. That’s when you should reflect on the effect the outburst of your emotions would have on others. Hence, calm down and subject your emotions to your will.
Conclusion
The signs on how to recognize emotions are useful in detecting our personal feelings at all points in time and telling how others are feeling. From a psychologist’s viewpoint, our environment influences our emotions. Hence, become conscious of the things surrounding you, which your mind is exposed to. Take charge of your emotions.
Perhaps, you have experienced the effect of negative emotions, do well to share in the comment section below.
