Practise gratitude

In both your personal and work life, research has shown that starting a daily gratitude practice can improve sleep, mood and immunity, as well as offering other mental health benefits. May suggests using a notebook or notes app to jot down a few things you’re grateful for in your professional life. “This could be anything from a supportive colleague to a recent accomplishment, a stimulating project or even the satisfaction of completing a complex task,” she says. “By consciously acknowledging the positive aspects of your work, you shift your focus and cultivate a more appreciative outlook.”

Embrace a mindful working environment

“For an extra dose of positivity, consider scheduling a quick five to 10 minutes of mindfulness at midday to ground yourself and regroup,” May says. “Incorporating mindfulness practices like short meditations, deep breathing exercises or playing classical music in the background can help you manage stress, improve focus, and cultivate a sense of calm, even amidst the daily hustle.”

Try out the ‘light the candle’ theory

Neuroscientists have found that dedicated ‘work zones’ (aka spacial association) can help improve productivity, so clearly our environment significantly impacts our mindset. According to May, however, creating a workspace that sparks joy and surrounds you with inspiration and/or motivation can also have a positive impact. It makes sense: imagine walking into a cluttered, dimly lit workspace. Not exactly inspiring, right? Now, picture a well-organised desk with a scented candle flickering and a bouquet of fresh flowers adding a pop of colour. Which scenario feels more motivating?

“Whether it’s inspirational quotes, photos of loved ones, an aesthetically pleasing desktop wallpaper, a comfortable chair or stylish desk accessories, pay attention to the things that make you feel good about your work environment. A little effort goes a long way in creating a space that fosters a good work mindset, whatever your job,” adds May.

Could romanticising your career be the key to getting through tough work days?