By nature we are all emotional beings. It is only natural then that if you are upset about something in your personal life, that distress is going to overflow into your professional life as well
By nature we are all emotional beings. It is only natural then that if you are upset about something in your personal life, that distress is going to overflow into your professional life as well. This could be small things like a tiff with your spouse or a troublesome child or something major like a break up, illness in the family, etc.
Whatever the issue, it's unprofessional to carry that baggage onto your workplace and if youu00a0 do that often, you may just be out of a job. We give you tips on separating your personal and professional lives:
Don't spread yourself thin
One of the prime causes of stress and problems in our personal lives is that we take on too many responsibilities. If you are handling your family's finances, paying the bills and taking your kids for extracurricular classes don't also volunteer to be on your society's committee meeting or take on an honorary post at the club.
Take a mental off
If you are upset about something at home, it's bound to keep playing on your mind. At such times avoid doing tasks that need a lot on mental energy, creativity and thinking. You will definitely not do an optimum job and chances of mistakes will be higher. Instead, complete your filing or other such tasks that don't require much concentration.
Don't share
One thing you should never do is share and discuss your personal problems at the work place with your colleagues or your boss. These aren't your friends who will offer you a shoulder to cry on. At the best they would be sympathetic. What's more if you come across as a person who is constantly whining about your
personal life, your colleagues will begin to avoid you.
Don't communicate
Here we are referring to those on the home front. You don't need to call your spouse and continue the
argument that was left unfinished. You shouldn't call your maid to give her instructions or advice your child about homework while at work. Also, don't go posting your personal problems on Facebook and other such sites while at work. It will only give others a chance to gossip.u00a0
Develop a support system
There should always be a Plan B and some form of back up support for issues that regularly crop up at home. This could be something as simple as hiring a full-time help to deal with small domestic issues or having
parents or in-laws or even a trusted neighbour available whom you can lean on in emergencies.
Happy thoughts
When you are upset and need to get into the swing of things at work think of things that are pleasing to distract yourself from the stressor. Else play some soothing music on your headphones to help you calm down. Treat yourself during your lunch break or just ditch your diet and binge on your favourite ice-cream flavour.
Of course there sometimes may be personal emergencies that require your immediate attention; communicate the problem to your superior without any 'drama'. At such times most employers are considerate and would give you time off. Keeping your personal and professional personas separate is not only essential for doing your job well but also for your mental well-being.
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