How You Can Find Job Satisfaction in Your Fitness Career

People who are happy at work are 12% more productive, according to a study published in the Journal of Labor Economics. Happiness at work can also result in better health outcomes. People who are happy at work tend to be less stressed and have less risk of chronic health conditions. For people who work in the fitness and health industry, where practitioners promote a healthy lifestyle, finding job satisfaction within one’s career is important in order to practice what one preaches. Here are tips on how you can find job satisfaction in your fitness career.  - Sarah

• Take Breaks.Just like we tell our clients to move as often as possible and take a break from their work, we need to take breaks, too. Taking a 10-minute walk or breather from the daily routine is vital for reducing stress, increasing focus, and refreshing our brain power. 
• Reduce Time Sucks. A time suck is something that distracts you or takes time away from productivity and necessary tasks. For example, a time suck could be answering emails when you are working on another project or getting side-tracked going on social media. One way to reduce time sucks is to turn off notifications for social media or email. Another solution is to only use social media and respond to emails during designated times. 
• Build Resilience Outside of Work. Finding activities, hobbies, and family/friend time outside of work is important. When you have a good work/life balance and enjoy time away from the job, you are happier to go to work and more energized. Building a community outside of work and shutting down once you have left work is important in order to have down time, “me” time, and relaxation time.  
• Create a Work Community. People who are connected and have a good support system at work tend to have less stress and increased job satisfaction. We spend 37% of our lives at work, according to the American Time Use Survey. Having people to talk to, share ideas with, and provide support, results in building a community of friends that makes the daily job experience more positive. Take time to talk to people at work and have meaningful conversations in order to build relationships.
• Positive Attitude. Bad things do happen. It’s easy to let certain situations negatively affect us. Taking a moment to breathe can instantly reduce stress and provide a little more clarity when undesirable situations occur. When feeling like you are having a bad day, talk to a friend, take a break, remember to breathe, and try to maintain a positive attitude. 

Your job satisfaction can improve by applying these tips to your routine. Enjoy your time at work. We spend a vast majority of our lives there, so make it matter. 

For additional related articles, check out: 

Survive & Thrive: How to Get Out of Tough Times in the Fitness Industry

How To Stick To Your New Year’s Fitness Job Goals

5 Fitness Business Marketing Tips from Successful Entrepreneurs

Insider’s Guide to Being a Successful Personal Trainer

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.