If you have a hard time maintaining a positive attitude throughout your workday, you are not alone. Many people go to work determined to have a good day, only to allow little things slowly chip away at their attitude, and eventually come home miserable and depressed. Here are some of my tips to maintain a positive attitude throughout the workday: 

1) Remember that you have a life and identity apart from work: Despite what your company may tell you, your life is not work. You must remember that your life's mission is not the company's mission (well, unless you are the CEO of the company). If you make your life all about work, that is a fast track to feeling miserable and crappy when you are at home if something negative happens at work. Make fun post-work plans throughout the week with your friends or partner, and make sure to plan fun to-do's for the weekend (not just errands), which will help you maintain a separate identity from your office. 

2) Don't bring the crap that happened during your commute to work: Did someone cut you off in traffic? Did someone push you while getting on the train? Was traffic extra slow today? Whatever happened during your commute, don't bring it inside the office. If you do, it's a great way to fizzle out a pleasant mood at the beginning of the day and get your day started off on a bitter foot. Disconnect your commute from the rest of your workday, as if it never happened. You got to work safely - that's all that matters. 

3) Let stuff go: Did your boss say something to you that annoyed you? Did a colleague do something that tickled your nerves? Let it go. Yes, I'm sure you're thinking: "Easier said than done, lady." I know it is. But you can't let stuff pile up in your resentment plate in your mind if you truly want to maintain a positive attitude. In fact, I say it is virtually impossible to carry frustration and resentment in your mind while also staying positive. Let go of stuff that pricked at you, keeping in mind that people are people - they are going to get on each other's nerves. It's just a matter of how you process the action, and how you plan to take steps forward despite their behavior. 

4) Don't surround yourself with negative people and negative talk: The water cooler is the classic workplace gathering place where people get caught up in discussions about practically anything. Oftentimes, these conversations can become quite full of gossip and negative talk that may appear enticing, but can be incredibly draining on a positive mindset. Try to avoid backbiting, negative talk. 

5) Enjoy little pleasures throughout the day: Take a sip of your favorite caffeineted beverage. Take a moment to look out the window and see what's going on. Take a walk outside during your break and take in all the activity happening outside. Treat yourself to a quick shopping session during lunch. If you can, listen to music that encourages you and motivates you during your day. Whatever your "little pleasure" is, remember that it is something that you control and something you enjoy. Sometimes we can feel like we are not in control of what we do during the workday. Well, you are in control of your little pleasure. Why not infuse that into your workday to make it better? The little things oftentimes make the biggest impact on our mood. 

-Written by: Cafe Belle's Mind and Body Barista