Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed today? Ya, it happens. Guess what, you still have to go to work. Here are some simple things you can do to keep your day from unraveling into a living nightmare...
1. DO NOT MAKE THE DECISION THAT THE DAY IS FUCKED! Once, you have decided that it's pretty much downhill from there. Make the conscious decision to have a productive day. Try saying it out loud on the way to work. "I will not let today be fucked"
2. Close yourself off from non-vital communications. If you're like me you actually leave your cell phone on at the office. Today might be a good day to shut it off. I won't be very responsive anyway and extraneous communication will often bother me if I'm already a bit cranky. Don't check your personal email either.
3. Get organized, clean your desk. Sometimes your mind will be stuck on a problem because of confusion, it's trying to "figure" the problem out. The best thing to do is create a workspace, that in comparison, is much more organized and stable than what's going on in your head. By contrast your work will seem like a much more fruitful (and easier) task.
4. Assign yourself a task of high importance and get it done. This tactic is often used to motivate employees who are visibly caught up in something from outside work. A high priority task gives a sense of responsibility and that can often out weigh any trivial personal problems that are on your mind. Plus, when you complete the task you will feel a sense of accomplishment. If you are feeling REALLY under the weather try to create a series of smaller tasks and get them done one by one. Make sure you start your day with a comprehensive list, the last thing you want to do is sit down to make another list if you get everything done ahead of time. Don't be afraid to give yourself more than what you think you can finish in a day, there is always tomorrow.
5. Don't get in a habit of taking breaks to "clear your head". Stick with your usual break routine. If you smoke, do so as usual. Avoid taking prolonged or frequent breaks in the hopes you will return to your desk to find gum drop rainbows and marshmallow clouds, you will only disappoint yourself.
6. Compliment other people. Don't walk around with your "mood face" on all day, take some time to notice and point out good things about other people. You may have a tough time keeping a positive attitude about yourself or your problems, so being positive about other people will help keep your mind in the "happy zone". Plus, it's a good way to bait for a compliment from someone else which could also make you feel better.
7. Don't attempt to eat if you don't want to. Forcing down food when you aren't hungry can be a depressing experience in itself. If you eat alone it also gives your mind time to wander off from a bad start and get worse. If you simply have to eat, try going out to lunch with co-workers.
8. Don't forget your body. Although your thoughts may be the root of your problem a little attention to your body can help you feel better. If you have decided not to eat lunch go for a walk instead. Stretch in your office or at your desk. Drink lot's of water and avoid snacking on things you usually wouldn't.
9. Don't resume your problem pondering at 6:00 PM. Come 5 PM start thinking about what you are going to do after work. Plan your night ahead of time, much like the task list you created at work, and stick to it. Even if your home tasks are routine make note of them: "Go home, walk dog, shower, cook, eat, read book, stretch, sleep."
WARNING: I am not a doctor or therapist. These are just things I do when I'm moody and still need to pay bills. Take my advice at your own risk. If you have any other tips or suggestions please leave a comment.
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