Work can be draining at times and exciting in others. It’s ultimately what you make of it. But sometimes coworkers, the boss, and the overall environment can get toxic. Nobody wants a toxic workplace, but if you have one, here are some helpful tips to get you through those difficult times.
1. Do Your Job
This is what you were hired for, it’s your responsibility to get your work done, so if that means communicating with toxic people that start mess, or having to present ideas to a coworker you aren’t too fond of, get it done. Your work should not fall by the wayside because of the environment, it may be difficult, but everybody working in the world has to do things they don’t necessarily like at work to get the job done; I know you are frustrated, you may like tip number two better.
2. Keep to Yourself
As much as possible stay to yourself. This will be the key to your happiness and sanity. If you have a job where it’s based on team efforts, thoroughly enjoy your breaks and lunch break; Close your door to your office, or put headphones on in your cubicle and let the toxicity skip your space. Just because the toxic workspace is present doesn’t mean everyone inside it is.
3. Utilize Your Off Days
On your days off do things to fully unwind and get your mind off of work and everything that comes with it. Take a spa day and relax as you get pampered, go to the movies, treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure, spend time with family or friends, or best of all stay in bed all day! Do whatever makes you happy and decompress, there’s enough going on in the world to worry about.
4. Vent
Everyone needs somebody to vent to for a plethora of reasons. Some do therapy, others use art, or friends close to them. Whatever you decide to choose is fine, but get it out. Express yourself and release the aggression building up inside of you. The last thing you want is an explosive argument or mishap at work, so be sure to talk about your frustrations with someone you trust. Venting can be very therapeutic and freeing, just knowing that someone is there to listen.
5. Rest
A toxic workplace can easily come home with you and affect your personal life. It’s important to leave that energy at the door when the workday is over. When you get home decompress and unwind. Don’t allow work stress to tamper with your rest, rest is essential. Make sure that you are getting at least six to eight hours of uninterrupted rest a night. Rest allows your brain to calm and allow your body to recharge, it also helps you tackle the next day with a fresh start.
6. Pray
No matter whom you pray to, start a ritual, and pray before you go into work. You can do it at home before you leave for work, in the car on the way to work, in the parking lot, walking into work, or at your desk or personal space. Prayer can calm your nerves and anxiety from the expectation that the toxic workplace provides and leave a sense of peace over you. If you believe in a higher power, reach out to that source daily and ask for the toxic elements in your workplace to be removed.
7. Take Some Days Off
If you find that things become too overwhelming for you, take some days off. Your mental health is imperative in everything that you do. Always put yourself first, your job will certainly replace you, but you cannot replace your life. Take some self-care days to regroup and gather yourself. And if that doesn’t work, keep reading.
8. Find Another Place of Employment
If you find that none of these suggestions is a great fit for you, by all means, do what’s best and start your search for new employment. Sometimes the best thing you can do is separate yourself from toxic situations. Once you’ve exhausted all options and can’t take it anymore do what you have to do, because nobody knows you, like you do. But make sure you do your research going forward with the next job to ensure that you don’t end up in the same predicament.
These tips are designed with the best interest of the person that finds themselves in this particular situation. These are merely suggestions and options to ponder as one has to make life-altering changes to their lives as they see fit. A toxic workplace can be manageable to a certain extent, with these tips one can either manage it or find other employment. It is advised to do what’s best for that person according to them and their perspective.
