Even if you have a dream job, love your colleagues and thrive on the challenges your work entails, there will be off days and phases when the pressure and deadlines make you want to throw in the towel and give up. What you do in those moments is what will define your work ethic and what you will come to be known for. And no one wants to be known as the hissy-fit-thrower or the one who yells the rough down, when the going gets tough. When you're faced with situations that frustrate, stress and overwhelm you at work, here are three coping mechanisms to help you regain your equilibrium.
Take A Break
When you find that you're stuck on a problem and are going round and round in circles because all the people involved can't seem to be at an impasse, know that invariably, the frustration will escalate and devolve into resentfulness and in-fighting. Stave off the negativity by suggesting that everyone takes a break, calm down and then come back to solve the problem at hand. If the task is important, but not urgent, you could even regroup the next day in the morning, when everyone has had a bit more time to think out of the box. Meeting in the morning also helps because people tend to be fresher, higher on energy, and, consequently, more open to listening to a different POV. If you need to get back to it the same day, try giving your tired brain a break by working on a task that is not as challenging. The feeling of having accomplished something will boost your morale and, hopefully, make you want to tackle the problem at hand with renewed vigour. Even if none of this happens, at the very least, you will have diffused tension and unpleasantness among your co-workers.
Ask For Help
There is nothing praise-worthy about taking on a task you're simply not equipped with to deal with on your own. While it's good to constantly challenge yourself and add to your existing skill sets, it is also equally important to be able to ask for help when you need it. No one grudges a person who needs help, but people do tend to get irritated with co-workers who are too proud to ask for it. It might be tempting to power on, but remember that you're wasting company time and money, and beyond a point, it's going to rankle your bosses. It is better to ask for help and learn from an experienced colleague than have your managers reprimand you for indulging your ego.
One Step At A Time
When you're dealing with a problem that requires a multi-step, complex approach for its various components, don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed by how big it seems. Break it down into smaller doable components and set yourself practical deadlines for each of them. Once you focus on getting through the smaller tasks, before you know it, you will have solved most of the problem.
How do you draw on your inner zen, while facing issues at work? Tell us in the comments below.
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