In an effort to aid those having a dull day, this article compiles just five of the ways you can irritate those you work with in an effort to stay amused. Please note, however, that this article is not advocating the bullying of colleagues or slacking off from your duties, but simply advises ways to bring a little bit of light to your working day!

Footsie

Sitting opposite a colleague can often prove a cumbersome and mind-numbing experience, not least if that person is one of those individuals that seems to dislike conversation. Perhaps the easiest way to keep yourself entertained with such a colleague is to ensure you stretch your legs out fully to gentle nudge those of the person opposite. Do it on a few occasions throughout the day and I guarantee there will be disgruntled sighs coming your way. What's best about this technique is that you can simple apologise and blame cramp or the risk of deep vein thrombosis as your excuse.

Pen clicking

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick... Imagine just that for 60 seconds and you can see why pen clicking has stood the test of time for getting on others' nerves. I'm certain there is no real advantage to having a pen that clicks shut - as far as I'm aware the pen lid was doing a sterling job. But still, sit there and click to your heart's content and you will see the anger rise in the faces around you!

Breathing

The opportunity to carry out this annoyance technique does not come along often so you should take advantage of it when you can. Next time you have a cold or blocked nose, don't take the day off work as you will be missing out on the opportunity to carry out Operation Whistling Nose. I myself have been on the end of the whistling nose and it is one of the most irritating sounds to emanate from the human body.

Tapping

If you work in a modern-thinking office that allows its staff to listen to iPods throughout the day, there is no greater way to get on someone's nerves than by tapping along to the current track in your headphones. If you have no rhythm, all the better. There is nothing worse than an incessant tapping - other than one that is out of time!

Odorous sandwiches

Egg mayonnaise, tuna or anything with garlic or onion is certain to get up someone's nose. Perhaps even try combining the three to get the ultimate effect!

Utilising the techniques above is a great way to keep yourself entertained. Simply seeing the irritation rise in somebody else's face is a great means to bring a ray of sunshine into an otherwise dull environment, and is all the sweeter to do when that individual is extremely busy!