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“Don’t go anywhere near Bob’s office today, he’s on a rampage.”
You’ve no doubt heard that, or something very like it. The phrase comes up most often when someone is having a tough time keeping their personal life separate from business. This is hardly a new phenomenon. If anything, as the speed of business continues to accelerate, hours grow longer and the lines continue to blur between work and home life. Whole books have been written about the struggles of maintaining a proper “work/life balance.”
It can be a challenge, no doubt, but the good news is that there are some simple things you can do to get your head on straight and re-center yourself if you, or those around you begin to notice that you’re taking your personal life frustrations out on the people you work with.
Unplug
The first solution is probably the simplest. Just get away from the office for a while. Take half a day. A day. Whatever you need. Your company needs you at your best, so be good enough to yourself and those around you be certain you’re giving them your best. If that means stepping back for a bit to regroup, so be it.
Find A Trusted Confidant
While you may be friendly with many of the people you work with, you may not be close friends with them. Because of this, it’s generally not a good idea to confide in someone in the office about the things that are bothering you at home. Not to mention the fact that it could wind up complicating your working relationship in unexpected ways. Even so, sometimes you need someone to talk to. Find someone. If you don’t have any friends, make some. It’s important.
Set Aside A Little “You Time” Every Day
If you can’t afford to take a full, or even half a day off, at least give yourself some space and “alone time,” every single day. It doesn’t have to be long, but it’s important that you have at least a little space to decompress in. Spend ten minutes a day meditating, or listening to your favorite music with the door closed, or just sitting there, in your chair, with your eyes closed. Whatever form it takes, you need a little time for yourself, every single day.
Maintaining a good work/life balance can be tricky, but it’s something you’ve got to work at. You’ll drive yourself, and possibly those around you crazy if you don’t.
