What are some ways to keep a crappy job/stressful work environment from dragging you down?

Answers (2)

Darren Haber, MFT (Psychotherapist) answered (7/26/2012)

I like what Lisa said, I might also add that it could be worth asking yourself if you might want to do something else. I know the economy is pretty crappy right now, but you sound like an intelligent person and I'm sure you have more options than you realize. I have two suggestions passed on to me by a therapist friend, which really helped. 1) is to read your local employment ads on Sunday, cover to cover, A to Z, without any judgment. Sometimes a vocation or job suddenly seems interesting and that you might be qualified to do. (Or a particular vocation strikes your interest). 2) is to ask yourself if you can really live with this job, and for how long, if this is as good as it gets. I was waffling on going back to grad. school while waiting for my "big break" in Hollywood, which was taking years and years. My friend said, "what if this is as good as it gets? Can you enjoy life now or are you waiting to enjoy it when that 'special day' comes? Is there anything you can do in the meantime to make your life more meaningful or interesting while waiting for Hollywood to notice the great Mr. Haber?" I realized I couldn't wait and applied to school, and liked psychology so much I gave up on Hollywood and now offer my stellar feedback on blogs. Some people can't change jobs for whatever reason, but I would say the majority of people I work with have many more options and talents (and interests) than they currently realize. You can even explore other options without making any life-changing decisions (i.e. a class, reading a book, talking to people in fields that interest you). Or you can ignore all of this and just listen to Lisa.

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Lisa Bograd, MA, MFT (Marriage & Family Therapist) answered (11/16/2010)

The number one thing you can do to keep yourself sane in a stressful work environment (whatever it's caused by--rounds of layoffs, long hours, disinterest in the work, etc.) is to cultivate interests and relationships outside of the workplace. This is a great way to create a boundary for yourself and to relieve stress so that the negativity you experience at work does not become corrosive.

Perhaps you could volunteer for a cause that's important to you or at an agency or organization that appeals to you. You could also join a club, get involved in a sport, find a creative outlet or take a class. This would give you something to look forward to after work and make you feel more resilient and positive about your life as a whole, which helps put work in perspective and makes you realize there is far more to your life than your cubicle.

Another helpful tip: Get out a little! Make a point to physically leave the office once a day, if possible. People often don't realize how much toxicity they can absorb in the office because they have become so used to the culture in which they are immersed, with all of its pettiness and power plays or hang-dog faces and hushed conspiratorial voices. It's only by being in a different environment that they can "detoxify." So remove yourself from the premises for 30 minutes or an hour to go for a walk, read a book, have lunch, listen to music or go to a nearby café and people-watch. Just do something that feels relaxing and that allows you to recharge your battery so that you have more energy to face whatever is waiting for you when you return.

Click here for our Chicks' Pick on how to begin the search for a new hobby by taking a class.