The holiday season is upon us, making it the perfect time to reflect and jot down our objectives for the upcoming year. Here at GKL we are always looking for ways to energize the workplace and add more positivity to our day to day.

Here are our 8 time tested and research proof happiness tips that will surely increase your levels of satisfaction and happiness at work. What better way to start the new year than with a dash of optimism and a big serving of positivity?

1. Express Gratitude

Feeling a sense of wonder, thankfulness, and appreciation for life can profoundly transform our attitude towards life. At the end of each work day, write down three good things that happened that day.

2. Breathing, Meditation, & Mindfulness

Just 5-20 minutes of meditation each day will significantly lower stress levels & increase wellbeing. When you are nervous or anxious, spend 30 seconds breathing deeply. It will calm your nervous system.

3. Practice Acts of Kindness

Doing something kind for someone else makes us feel good. According to a Hindu proverb, “True happiness consists in making others happy.”

4. Demonstrate Admiration, Affection, & Appreciation

Decades of research has shown that good relationships are characterized by a ratio of positive to negative statement of behavior. That means that for every negative statement there are five positive ones.

5. Spend Time in Nature

The ocean, gardens, trees, plants, the outdoors, and even natural light have a profoundly restorative impact on physical and mental health. Take a walking meeting outside. Organize outdoor group activities.

6. Movement & Exercise

Exercising, moving, dancing, walking, or any physical activity makes people happier, healthier, more intelligent, and more productive.

7. Smart Leisure

Make your free time meaningful. Instead of browsing the internet or binge watching your favorite Netflix series, do something that makes you feel proud of yourself in the end.

8. Seek Meaning & Purpose

Research shows that a general sense of meaning must be personal to each person. Find and create meaning in your daily life and remind yourself of it. What makes your job meaningful to you.

In this upcoming year, which happiness secret will you turn into a habit?