5 Ways to Maintain Your Peace of Mind in a Toxic Environment
How do you feel after chatting with your co-workers on the job? Are you upbeat, motivated, and inspired? Or are you tired, drained, and feeling unbalanced? Most life science professionals are not aware of how the interactions they have with others affects their energy, mood, and job performance. They wonder why they feel aggressive or dejected after speaking with certain people. How you chose to handle relationships with your colleagues has a large effect on your personal thoughts, feelings, and actions, which ultimately determine your professional growth at an organization.
If you desire to get a promotion, a raise, or just have a great working environment your interactions with co-workers will play a part in the results you achieve. Having a sense of harmony in the workplace is ideal, but unfortunately that is not a reality for many professionals. Often, people find themselves in toxic environments with most elements being beyond their control. Many people let the thoughts, feelings, and actions of others affect them and drain their energy. Maintaining your peace of mind and sense of calm is important to achieving optimal performance. Here is exactly how to do that!
1. Limit your time with toxic co-workers
Become deeply aware of your thoughts and feelings at work. Once you notice that you’re feeling drained or tired after interacting with certain co-workers, start limiting your time with those people. This might be difficult if you work in close, physical proximity or on a team with a person who is negative. In those instances, simply decrease your amount of communication with them. There isn’t any need to be rude or mean, but prioritizing yourself and well-being is helpful for your career.
2. Put boundaries in place
In today’s digital world, interruptions have become a way of life. It’s not uncommon to experience social media updates coming in by the second, constant emails, text messages, phone calls, and colleagues dropping by just to chat. This can consume your time! Reclaim your focus by establishing clear boundaries for interruptions while you are working. To eliminate in-person distractions, get one of those reversible “Do not disturb – Come in” signs for your office or put in ear phones to signal that you don’t want to be bothered.
3. Create a relaxing environment
Do you know what your ideal working environment is? Are you happier when it’s warm and cozy or cool in your workspace? Your surroundings play a major part in your overall mood and willingness to follow through. Try scheduling brainstorming sessions in the best environment for you and listening to calming music. This helps you focus on the task at hand, and feel your best.
4. Release negativity
When you release people and associations that are not constructive and/or positive, this frees you up to move forward in numerous ways. Many people are able to focus on the things they want by eliminating distractions, drama, and negativity. This can also help you take action faster and improve in areas where you want to excel. Letting go creates space for new, better things to come into your life. What do you need to let go of to get ready for the success you want in your career?
5. Focus on what’s important
Focusing your energy is vital if you feel things spinning out of control. This involves channeling your thoughts in one positive direction, being calm, and consciously considering your priorities. Try writing down your top 3-5 priorities everyday. Make completing these tasks non-negotiable even if you have to change other habits. When you are relaxed and have a clear idea of what you need to do, the odds of achieving your goals increases dramatically.
If a toxic work environment is affecting how you feel on the job, then it’s best to think about yourself and maintaining your peace of mind. While limiting the time you spend with draining people and putting boundaries in place are a good start, it’s most important for you to consider the things you can control. Releasing negativity, focusing on what’s important, and having a relaxing environment will put you in a position to create lasting success. How can you improve your peace of mind?
Porschia Parker is a Certified Coach, Professional Resume Writer, and Founder of Fly High Coaching. She empowers ambitious professionals to add $10K on average to their salaries.