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" We&amp;#039;ve put out the challenge to each and every one of you. It&amp;#039;s time to get happy! Join us in this yearlong project, started by Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project.   This Month&amp;#039;s Challenge: Work   Think about your work. Happiness is a critical factor for work, and work is a critical factor for happiness. For one thing, work occupies so much of our time. A majority of Americans work seven or more hours each day, and time spent on vacation is shrinking. Studies highlight several factors that are likely to make you feel happy at work. Try to identify a few concrete, manageable steps to undertake.   \u00BB Do you have a friend at work? Even if you&amp;#039;re in a temporary situation, make an effort to make friends.   \u00BB Do you feel that you&amp;#039;re growing? When you feel overwhelmed, it can be tough to push yourself in new directions, but you&amp;#039;ll get energy and gratification from challenging yourself. Take the time to learn more about whatever field you&amp;#039;re working in, experiment with a new gizmo, teach yourself a new recipe.   \u00BB Can you find ways to work more efficiently\u2014 whether at home or on the job? Think about ways to make your life run more smoothly. Overhaul a filing system or upgrade tools. I recently bought a laminator, and am getting a kick out of laminating every phone list and flimsy membership card I can lay my hands on (plus, you can make gifts out of kids&amp;#039; drawings!).   \u00BB And don&amp;#039;t forget the simplest, most obvious aspect of your workplace, whether it&amp;#039;s inside or outside your home: Create an orderly, comfortable environment. Eliminate those yellowing piles of paper. Buy the supplies you need to do your job properly\u2014my return-address stamp makes me ridiculously happy every time I pay bills. Make sure you have a decent desk chair and good light (but not too much!).   For more inspirational blogs and articles, visit The Happiness Project page at WomansDay.com. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/life/work-money/a4678/marchs-challenge-make-the-best-of-work-104007/>