This week's newspapers reported that one in six cases of depression among Victorian workers by was caused by job stress, and yet another paper reported that only one in seven Australians felt positive about going to work everyday. Has it come to the stage when reading so much about job stress, whinging and depression is depressing in itself? It's enough to put you off your breakfast and that's before you've even left for work! That's not however to undermine the seriousness of depression or job stress - these are very real things and urgent action is needed to address these issues. Certainly it is necessary to be mindful of the prevalence of these conditions and either seek help or offer help to those in need of it. But assuming you are not clinically depressed, what can you do to keep your head above water and not become a mere statistic who dreads going to work everyday?

Are you in the driver seat?

Of course you are. The old adage 'life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it' is the key to maintaining inner happiness. Things can get on top of you and sometimes even the better of you but it is how you react to adversity that's the difference between feeling in control and letting disappointment get the better of you. The decision is yours alone. Of course you don't have to be upbeat all of the time - now that would be draining, but there are little things that can be done everyday to brighten up your work day.

How to brighten up your day

Decide today you are going to make an effort to be happy

Sound silly? It doesn't have to be. Engage in some self talk - tell yourself today is going to be a good day, smile at people, say hello - you might even get a smile back!

Plan you time - make a list of things to do

It's amazing how good you feel when you start ticking completed tasks off your list.

Write down what you achieved today at work

Reflecting back on what you achieved in your job is a good way to increase self-esteem and allows you to track your progress. For help on how to craft an achievement read Bill Lawford's article

Surround yourself with like minded positive people

Positive people generally are more energetic, negative people on the other hand can drain energy. Seek out people in your organisation who appear to have a positive outlook.

Take regular breaks from work

This is not advocating you shirk from your responsibilities but where possible take a few minutes away from your desk. Go for a walk at lunchtime, get some fresh air and check out what's happening in the world outside of work.

Do some voluntary work

There are always people worse off in the world than ourselves and as humans we generally feel better helping others. There are lots of volunteering opportunities you can try - may be even get something going in your organisation such as a fund raising activity.

Maintain perspective

Remember it's just a job and not worth losing your sanity over. If work is truly getting you down maybe you need to consider looking for another job. Read Should I Stay or Should I Go? Login and update your resume on LinkMe and get yourself in front of other employers.

Don't become a statistic, take control and decide that your glass is well and truly half full.