How To Stop Being Toxic! 5 Tips To Creating A Better Work Environment

How do you feel after speaking with other coworkers at work? Are you motivated, inspired and upbeat? Or are you feeling stressed, tired, and drained? Has anyone ever called you toxic, or implied that you were difficult to get along with? Most executives and professionals are not aware of how their interactions with others affects their mood, energy, and job performance. They are usually surprised if coworkers call them or other people toxic. Many professionals wonder why they feel dejected or aggressive after speaking with certain people. How you chose to handle interactions with your colleagues has a significant effect on your actions, thoughts, and feelings, which determine your professional growth at a company. Recognizing actions, tone, and other aspects within conversation can help professionals identify the source of the problem, to figure out how to stop being toxic.

If you want to get a raise, a promotion, or to have a great working environment, your interactions with colleagues will play a part in the results achieved. Having a sense of peace and harmony in the workplace is ideal, but unfortunately, that is not a reality for many professionals. Often, people find themselves dealing with toxic environments, including numerous aspects beyond their control. Many people let the actions, thoughts, and feelings of others drain their energy and affect them. Maintaining your sense of calm and peace of mind is essential to achieving optimal performance and preventing yourself from becoming toxic. Here are five ways to stop being toxic and improve your working environment!

Limit Your Discussion Time with Toxic Team Members

Become keenly aware of your feelings and thoughts in the workplace. Once you notice that you are feeling tired or drained after interacting with certain team members, start limiting and reducing your time with those individuals. This may be difficult if you work on a team or in close, physical proximity with a negative person. In those instances, reduce your amount of communication with them. There is not any need to be mean or rude, but prioritizing your well-being and yourself is beneficial for your career.

Create Boundaries

In today’s digital world, interruptions and distractions have become commonplace. It’s not unusual to experience constant emails, social media updates coming in by the second, phone calls, text messages, and colleagues coming by to chat. This can eat up your time! Regain your focus by establishing clear and set boundaries for diversions while you are at work. To reduce in-person distractions, get one of those reversible “Do not disturb – Come in” signs for your office or put in earphones to signal that you do not want to be distracted.

Create a More Relaxed Environment

What is your ideal working environment? Are you happier when it’s cool or warm and cozy in your work area? Your surroundings play a significant role in your overall mood and willingness to follow through on tasks. Try setting up brainstorming sessions in the optimal environment for you and listening to relaxed, calming music. This helps you feel your best and focus on the task at hand.

Release Any Negativity

When you release associations and people that are not positive or constructive, this frees you up to move forward in numerous ways. Many people can focus on the things they want by eliminating negativity, distractions, and drama. This can also help you improve in areas where you want to excel and take action faster. Letting go creates space for better, new things to come into your life. What things do you need to let go of to prepare for the success you want in your life and career?

Focus on the Important Things

Focusing your energy is critical if you feel things spinning out of your control. This involves being calm, channeling your thoughts in one positive direction, and consciously considering your priorities. Try noting your top 3-5 priorities each and every day. Make completing these tasks non-negotiable to yourself even if you have to change or adjust other habits. When you have a clear idea of what you need to do and are relaxed, the odds of achieving your goals increase dramatically.

If a toxic work environment affects how you feel on the job or even leads to your own toxicity, then it’s best to think about yourself and maintain your peace of mind. While limiting the time you spend draining people and putting boundaries in place is a good start, it’s essential for you to consider the things you can control and how to stop being toxic yourself. Focusing on what’s important, releasing negativity, and having a relaxing, calm environment will put you in a position to build lasting success. How can you improve your attitude and peace of mind?

 

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