8 Tips to Stay Sane in a Volatile Work Environment

Not all work environments are calm and steady. Any recruiter can tell you about the rollercoaster of emotions experienced daily as candidates get offers, reject offers, clients request interviews, or job opportunities close. Staying sane in a volatile work environment can be challenging but it’s possible with some strategies in place. Here are some tips to help:

1. Maintain Perspective: Remember that work is just one aspect of your life. Try not to let work stress dominate your thoughts and emotions. Keep reminding yourself of the bigger picture.

2. Focus on What You Can Control: In a volatile environment, there will be many things beyond your control. Instead of getting frustrated by these, focus on what you can influence or change. This could be your own reactions, your work habits, or how you interact with colleagues.

3. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Don’t let work-related stress spill over into your personal time. Disconnecting from work when you’re not there physically can help maintain your sanity. For example, if you receive a non-critical email after hours, wait until the morning to reply. Don’t always feel the need to respond immediately.

4. Practice Stress Management: Find healthy ways to manage stress. This could include regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies that help you relax and unwind. This will greatly impact your focus and productivity as well.

5. Seek Support from the Right People: Talk to trusted colleagues, friends, or family members about what you’re going through. Sometimes just sharing your feelings and experiences can lighten the burden. However, ensure that you are connecting with those who have good coping mechanisms in place and are truly trustworthy individuals if within your organization.

6. Develop Resilience: Build your resilience by cultivating a positive mindset and developing coping skills. Look for opportunities to learn and grow from challenging situations, and be sure to understand how your actions, specifically, impacted the outcome.

7. Take Breaks: Give yourself permission to take breaks throughout the day, especially for lunch. In a chaotic environment, time tends to evaporate on busy days. Step away from your desk or workspace can help refresh your mind if you find yourself stuck.

8. Stay Organized: When work is volatile, staying organized can provide a sense of control and reduce stress. Keep to-do lists, prioritize tasks, and maintain clear communication with colleagues.

There are times, where work stress and anxiety may begin to impact your physical and mental health. If you find that it is significantly impacting your well-being, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a counselor or therapist. Hopefully, it will not get to this point.

While not easy, these strategies can help you better navigate and cope with the ups and downs of a volatile work environment while maintaining your sanity and well-being.