by Kristen Thompson, Management 3.0’s podcast producer
We talk a lot about happiness at Management 3.0, and with so many experts weighing in on what can make you truly happy, it’s tough to know where to start. Whether it be from reshaping your company culture, taking care of your team, or providing effective feedback, we’ve covered a multitude of ideas to make you and your team happier.
Not all happiness needs to come from the workplace, however. In this article, we’re going to be exploring three healthy habits you can easily integrate into your routine to bring a happier you into the workplace.
#1 Prioritize sleep: Life will throw a lot of stressors your way that may result in less sleep. Whether it be kids, work, pets or partners, it can be difficult to get the optimal 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep can make you happier, however, and result in less stressful days. Experts say that sleep plays a crucial role in promoting good health, productivity, and emotional wellbeing. Are you already getting the recommended 7-8 hours, but still feel tired and worn out? It’s possible that how you sleep could be affecting your fatigue levels.
Here are some tips on how to sleep longer and better for more energized days:
- Go to bed and get up at the same time everyday.
- Turn off your screens at least an hour before bedtime.
- Invest in some good blackout curtains to make the room darker.
- Try white noise machines or guided meditations when falling asleep.
#2: Reduce screen time: Technology can be a great tool to connect us to the people we love, get extra work done, or plan our day-to-day lives, but it can also affect our happiness in negative ways. We all know that social media can harm self-esteem, but there are some less obvious ways that our screens affect our health and our minds.
Try turning off all of electronics for an hour a week (even in that hour before bed) and focus on the things that matter most to you. If you haven’t unplugged in a long time, you’ll be surprised by how much you can do when your phone is away. Take your dog for a walk, curl up with a good book, have a date night with your partner, play with your kids or even have some much-needed alone time. You’ll be surprised by the difference it makes.
#3: Get moving: Exercise isn’t just a tool to make you look good, but it can help you feel good too. Regular exercise, no matter the difficulty level, can help reduce stress and anxiety and make you an overall happier person. It can also help improve heart function, circulation, and sleep. You can easily incorporate small steps to leading a more active life. Start by going on walks, ending your day with some stretching or signing up for an introductory class of your choosing. Make sure not to overdo it though, start at your comfort level and work your way up to something harder–but only if it makes you happy!
What are some habits that you do to live a healthier life? How do you incorporate healthy habits easily into your life? Let us know in the comments below or contact us.
