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We all have them: those days when nothing goes right.
Your boss is on your case. Your computer is working at a snail's pace. You've misplaced a file full of valuable information. And by the end of the day, you feel as if you've been knocking your head against a wall.
But, before you head out of the office and take it out on your partner/children/flatmate… Stop the downward mental spiral, step away from the computer and reel in your emotions.
To avoid taking the stress home, try doing three things at the end of a bad day:
1. Clear your mind.
You don't have to sign up for a yoga class to do this. All it takes is a few deep breaths and getting your headspace right. How do you do this? Just think about the things that matter to you outside of work.
Remember, no matter how important your work is, it does not define you.
2. Do something easy.
Ever tried to tackle a heavy-duty report after 4pm? Then you've doubtless realised that your brain is pulp at this point of the day.
Rather wind down your day by taking on light tasks. Reconcile a balance sheet, or reply to a few straightforward e-mails. Get some things off your to-do list to restore a sense of control.
3. Get up and leave.
It's surprisingly difficult to "switch off" and stop pushing yourself to tackle one more task. Once you've completed your last easy task, don't check your email once more or stop by someone's desk. Just turn off your computer and leave.
How do you deal with a bad day? Do you whine to your partner? Or just veg in front of the television? Or do you eat it away? Share your bad mood lifters with us.
Your boss is on your case. Your computer is working at a snail's pace. You've misplaced a file full of valuable information. And by the end of the day, you feel as if you've been knocking your head against a wall.
But, before you head out of the office and take it out on your partner/children/flatmate… Stop the downward mental spiral, step away from the computer and reel in your emotions.
To avoid taking the stress home, try doing three things at the end of a bad day:
1. Clear your mind.
You don't have to sign up for a yoga class to do this. All it takes is a few deep breaths and getting your headspace right. How do you do this? Just think about the things that matter to you outside of work.
Remember, no matter how important your work is, it does not define you.
2. Do something easy.
Ever tried to tackle a heavy-duty report after 4pm? Then you've doubtless realised that your brain is pulp at this point of the day.
Rather wind down your day by taking on light tasks. Reconcile a balance sheet, or reply to a few straightforward e-mails. Get some things off your to-do list to restore a sense of control.
3. Get up and leave.
It's surprisingly difficult to "switch off" and stop pushing yourself to tackle one more task. Once you've completed your last easy task, don't check your email once more or stop by someone's desk. Just turn off your computer and leave.
How do you deal with a bad day? Do you whine to your partner? Or just veg in front of the television? Or do you eat it away? Share your bad mood lifters with us.
