IN TWEET: EASY AND PRACTICAL WAYS TO TURN A WORKING MONDAY INTO A PRODUCTIVE FUNDAY! BETH MILLMAN, FOUNDER OF POPZAZZ.COM IS OUR FEATURED GUEST CONTRIBUTOR.
Having fun is not a diversion from a successful life; it is the pathway to it. - Martha Beck
For many of us, the idea of fun and work are mutually exclusive. Fun is something we experience outside of work. Why is that? With most of us working longer hours and under greater pressure to do more with less, fun typically falls by the wayside. It’s often seen as frivolous, unproductive or something more appropriate for after work hours. Of course, the reality is quite different.
All work and no play leads to burnt out, unhappy employees and entrepreneurs. Creativity wanes and finding new ways of innovating at your job or business no longer happens. Your main objective becomes little more than getting through the day. Suddenly, working for the weekend isn’t just a saying. It’s a way of life.
What to do? In order to help you avoid that sinking feeling of resignation, here are some simple ways to incorporate fun into your work day. Stop thinking in negative terms and focus on the knowledge that having a little fun in the office or your place of business will help re-ignite that spark of excitement and free your creative spirit.
I can’t promise that you’ll love your job more, but if you implement some of these ideas and make them part of a new, more positive work routine, you will enjoy life just a little more:
READ: All of us take at least one break during the work day (and if you don’t, that’s a no-fun red flag). So, for 15 minutes, instead of texting or checking your email, why not grab a book or your Kindle and read? Choose something that will inspire you, give you pleasure or make you laugh.
If books are not your cup of tea, try a magazine (also available on Kindle or, my favorite, Zinio). It’s amazing how a good magazine can relax you and transport you outside of your everyday life.
No matter what you choose to read, try to make it something that gives you pleasure as opposed to a dry text or work-related publication.
PLAY A GAME: During lunch, instead of griping about your boss or your clients, grab some colleagues and play. A game like CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY can be learned in two minutes and the laughter that results will have you going back to your desk in a much better frame of mind.
EDITOR’S NOTE: POPZAZZ OFFERS SOME GREAT ALTERNATIVES TO CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY IN THE EVENT THAT YOUR OFFICE OR PLACE OF BUSINESS IS ON THE CONSERVATIVE SIDE. CHECK OUT A GREAT SELECTION OF TABLETOPICS PACKAGES OR GO RETRO WITH A LUNCH BREAK OF MAD LIBS!
PLAY SOME MUSIC: Assuming your workplace allows it, try putting on some music that will uplift, center or inspire you. For me, that means going to You Tube and listening to television theme songs from the 70’s. Silly, yup, but listening to these songs takes me back and makes me feel a sense of joy.
If you can’t play music at your desk, use your iPod or mobile phone on a break. It’s amazing how a good song can energize and make you feel like you’re up to any task that needs accomplishing during your day.
HAVE A POTLUCK: Encourage your co-workers or employees to each bring their favorite dish from home and share at a group lunch. Eating together and seeing your co-workers outside of their offices and cubicles is a bonding experience. Not only will it be fun, you’ll get to know your colleagues as people, making you more likely to be patient and forgiving the next time one does something to tick you off. It’s harder to get mad at someone you just shared a laugh with.
LAUGH AT THE SMALL STUFF: Rather than getting pissed off at the injustice of it all when things don’t go your way, learn to find the humor in work day foibles. Remember, most people are just trying to make their way in the world. Like you, your co-workers and clients all go home to families, friends, roommates and pets too. Let it go!
Trying out even one of these ideas on a daily basis is easy and will add some lightness and joy to the work day. When you’re having more fun, a feeling of well-being permeate and you’ll be much happier. This makes you more fun to be around and fun is what Martha Beck calls your pathway to a successful life.
Here's to your success!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Beth Millman is the Founder and CFO (Chief Fun Officer) of Popzazz.com. After a long and successful career in the entertainment business, she decided to strike out on her own and pursue a dream: starting a company dedicated to bringing fun and social connection into everyday life. Popzazz launched this year. Beth resides in Los Angeles with her adorable dog Quincy (who makes frequent guest appearances on the Popzazz Facebook page and Twitter feed).
