With so many posting about working in toxic, stressful and unhealthy environments, I want to offer some advice to help balance the anxiety and depression with some healthy and calming rituals.
Anonymous
With so many posting about working in toxic, stressful and unhealthy environments, I want to offer some advice to help balance the anxiety and depression with some healthy and calming rituals.
While some are applying to new companies to get away from their current situation, others are trying to stick it out for a bit longer and others still are resigned to current situation out of fear of change or fear of not finding anything better.
Whatever your situation, if you find yourself dealing with a horrible workplace there are things that can help you survive and thrive. Here are some things I have tried and that have worked:
1. Make the decision not to pour additional energy into a job that is making you miserable. This means doing your job well but nothing more. When you log off, you log off (if you can) and you have things in place to help you switch gears when you leave the office or shut off your computer. Things like great music or podcasts to listen to on the way home of on a walk. A favorite cup of tea or special coffee. Make these things part of your transition to your life and your priorities. No venting about “what happened at work”, no complaining about so and so, nothing focused on the very negative place that brings you misery. It just keeps the horror going in your head and body for longer than necessary. It serves no constructive purpose.
2. Journal about your dreams and goals and things that bring you hope and get your wheels turning. You need dreams of a better future.
3. Time outside in nature. This could be an early morning stretching routine on your patio, a walk outside at lunch, a hike at the end of the day to a place to watch the sunset. This helped me with depression and cleared my head. It became a staple for my day. Once you get used to having this time, your mind and body will crave it.
4. A great way to start and end you day is with Meditation and breathing exercises. I cannot imagine my day (especially frustrating days) without this. I have since combined my yoga practice with my meditation and I can’t tell you how much more centered I am. Bonus: If/when you decide to interview, you’ll find you have more clarity and project more positivity because you are clearing your mind and shifting your energy regularly. Interviewers actually commented on my energy and positivity.
5. Great food, lots of water, tea and coffee (because it counts as hydration). Your body responds to being nourished. So even when your stomach is tied up in knots, try some warm broth or tasty soup. Cooking can be very therapeutic and I believe your body knows the care you spent on the meal.
6. Finally, surround yourself with loving people. People who life you up and don’t want to encourage your rants about work, your anger and frustration. Instead, these people encourage your growth, your health and validate you.
We all have our own unique struggles at work and I have found that rituals and conscious effort help us take back control, ease the anxiety and depression and give our lives balance and meaning beyond our horrible work environments. Hope these help.
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