The Benefits of Being Happy
Friday, 02. 26. 2010 – Category: T2 Communications
Anytime, especially in the dreary months of winter, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, both intellectually and emotionally, and it can lead to unhappiness. There have been multiple studies on the causes and effects of happiness, and there are many benefits to being happy, both personally and professionally. Outside forces can negatively affect our happiness, and there are some that we cannot control, like weather, loss of loved ones, and bothersome coworkers. However, there are some forces that we can control and in those cases, happiness is a choice. It is common and easy to get wrapped up and wallow in self pity when the blues start calling, but it is more beneficial to you and your work place if you make the choice to make whatever changes necessary to turn your frown upside down.
Three Benefits of Being Happy:
You will have the motivation needed to face the work day. Even if they love their jobs, people who are unhappy lack the gusto to get up and go to work every single day, and it can wear them down by Wednesday and sometimes already by Monday. When they are happy, they are more likely to show up everyday even if they don’t like their jobs, ready to get the day started. Happy people are often more optimistic which allows them to focus on the good things about their life, their day, and their job. The good things in life are the incentives for them to get up and do what they need to do everyday. If you have to go to work everyday, wouldn’t you rather be happy about it?
You will be more productive and creative. Unhappy people are more sluggish, more distracted, and less productive. They are also more likely to get sick. When they are happy, they feel better, have more energy, and are able to focus, increasing productivity and creativity. Increased productivity in turn allows for less chance to be overwhelmed with tasks and a better chance to meet deadlines and leave work on time. This will allow more leisure time doing the things you really enjoy. Nobody likes drowning in work, and it is easy to be distracted and unmotivated when you are not happy.
Other people will like you. Happy people are easier to be around and to work with. They smile more and are more positive and uplifting to those around them. Unhappy people bring negativity to work with them, causing negative thoughts and more unhappiness. This is unpleasant for everybody. Happiness, however, can also be contagious, causing those around you to be happier therefore more uplifting and positive for you. The positive effects work for everyone!
There are plenty of self-help books, articles, and tips available on the internet to finding happiness. The first step is making the choice to do it. Along the way, you will find more benefits and scientific evidence to support them. If the three reasons listed above are not enough to encourage you to make changes to be happier for yourself then ask some of your friends and coworkers how your mood affects them. If you have a negative impact on those around you, it is time to make some changes.
Katie Petre is the Customer Care Manager for T² Communications, a CornerWorld company.
Tags: attitude, creativity, happiness, happy, Katie Petre