Improving a Bad Day at Work

Posted by
Joni Rose
Aug 5, 2007

Go for a brisk walk

Clear your head by getting outside for a break. While walking focus on three things you appreciate about your job and your working conditions. Shift away from feeling sorry for yourself into thoughts of appreciation and plans of action that will create positive change.

Invite your favourite colleague out for lunch

Having lunch with a colleague that has a great sense of humour and can encourage you to laugh can really motivate a shift to a more positive afternoon. They can also offer some constructive criticism and a new perspective to your problems.

Re-read a positive employee evaluation, client thank-you or other compliment

Hopefully you’ve kept a file of these positive pick me ups! If not, start one and collect compliments, recognitions and other forms of positive reinforcement. Take some time to re-read these notes when you are feeling incompetent and need some reassurance. They will reaffirm that it is just a shift in your thinking and feeling, not that you lack ability.

Buy someone flowers or a coffee

Brighten someone else’s day and yours will also brighten. Performing a random act of kindness can turn around a day full of challenges and give you that boost of energy you need to get through the day.

Ask for help

If you are overwhelmed with your workload, ask for assistance. If you can delegate, delegate. If you require more support, present your case to your supervisor but be sure to present a solution not just complain about a problem.

If you have comments or suggestions on this blog entry, please start a discussion

If you liked this blog entry, try:

Self Awareness at Work

Ten Signs of Burnout

Can Do Attitude at Work