It’s no secret that motivation is key to a productive, successful workplace. But what can you do when it feels like your job just isn’t motivating anymore? Here are some tips to help reignite that fire.
1. Make sure your office is organized and clean
Nothing is more motivating than a clean, organized office. Working in a space that’s cluttered and messy is counterintuitive to feeling motivated because it can create feelings of distraction, stress, and lower self-esteem. Plus, an unorganized office kitchen has been shown to make it more difficult for you to find things while on break–that alone can be reason enough to get your kitchen in order. Take good measures from cleaning thoroughly to petitioning to remodel the kitchen to achieve all the benefits of a neat workspace.
2. Have fun decorations that make you happy
Change is an essential part of staying motivated at work–in fact, research has shown that the brain actually prefers change to staying in the same place. So if you want to be motivated, it’s time to have some fun with your office. The right kind of art can make the difference between an office that makes you excited to show up every day versus one that’s just another place to clock in and out at. Fortunately, it’s easy to make your office more fun with the right decorations. For example, you can print off motivational posters and put them on the walls of your office–it’s an easy way to get more excited about work. If you’re feeling crafty, why not make your own decorations from scratch? It’s a fun activity that can motivate you even more to work hard.
3. Play music that you enjoy
Even if you don’t spend all day working at a desk, music can still help keep you motivated. And the best part? There’s no way your boss can say anything about it–it’s completely legal to play music at work. Whether you enjoy classical or more upbeat tunes, playing the right kind of music can put you in a good mood for working.
4. Get a comfortable chair and desk
If you don’t have the right equipment, it won’t matter if your office is clean and organized–you’re not going to want to sit there. While you want to make sure your chair is the right height so you don’t injure yourself, it should also be comfortable enough that it doesn’t feel like work just to sit in it. It’s also important that your desk has everything you need–time will go by faster if all of your essentials are within arms reach.
5. Take breaks often to move around and stretch
It’s easy to get stuck in one position for hours on end, and that can wreak havoc on your joints and muscles. But it doesn’t have to be like that–in fact, you should make it a goal to take breaks every hour or so. You don’t need to do an intense workout at the gym–simply switching up your position from sitting to standing every once in a while is enough to make you feel more motivated.
Sometimes, taking a break can mean doing something fun–for example, going out for a coffee break or getting some fresh air outside. This gives you an opportunity to recharge and get excited for whatever’s next.
6. Drink plenty of water throughout the day
It’s easy to forget about basic necessities like drinking water, but staying hydrated is essential for feeling good at work. When you’re dehydrated, your body can’t function as well, and that sets the stage for getting sick or becoming tired quickly. The easiest way to accomplish this is to keep a water bottle handy (ideally one that’s reusable) and drink up whenever you feel thirsty.
7. Reward yourself for completing tasks or reaching goals
Rewarding yourself for completing tasks is a great way to stay motivated, especially because you’re more likely to accomplish your goals if they lead to something good. When you think about it, why do people compete in marathons? They want to earn the recognition and perks that come after crossing the finish line–even better than just setting out to run a 26-mile race.
8. Have fun with your co-workers
If there’s one thing that research has shown, it’s that being social is a key part of staying motivated. The more time you spend with other people, the more likely you are to enjoy your work environment and feel better about what you’re doing.
There’s no need to befriend everyone in your office–in fact, sometimes playfully teasing someone can make the whole office feel more comfortable. That said, there’s no harm in having a couple of close friends to talk to when you need an escape.
We hope that these tips will help you make the office a more motivating and enjoyable place to work. Whether you decide to use all of them or just a couple, we know that you’ll start seeing positive changes in no time.