Psychological tips to beat those back-at-work blues
Home » Blog » Siobhan Leathley » Psychological tips to beat those back-at-work bluesSick and tired of work already? Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or downright blue to be back? Then it’s possible you have a case of the “back-at-work blues”. Which is more common than you’d think, says workplace psychology expert Dr Mary Casey PhD
Dr Casey has identified six strategies to help you beat the “work” blues:
1. You dislike the work you do:
Dr Casey suggests evaluating your job satisfaction. Ask yourself whether or not you feel happy, challenged and fulfilled in your career. If not then make an effort to find something you would enjoy doing. This could include returning to University or looking for a new role in a similar field.
2. You don’t know how to deal with difficult people:
Dr Casey recommends developing the skills to deal with difficult managers and colleagues. She recommends controlling your emotions and to setting strong, acceptable boundaries. Remember it’s just business and shouldn’t be taken personally. Attempt to re-channel this energy into areas of your work, which will reward you personally and professionally.
3. You dislike the work culture:
It could be that you’re stuck in a negative work culture or you’re bored by the work you do. Dr Casey recommends finding the source of this dislike. Try to adapt a more positive outlook towards the job and accentuate the positive attributes of your job such as the income and stability it provides you. “If you can’t identify positive aspects, then maybe it is time for a change,” Dr Casey says.
4. You’re often overworked:
If long hours are what’s getting you down, then Dr Casey suggests examining why so much work is delegated to you. Talk to management about the lack of resources to assist you. Identify opportunities to delegate to others.
5. You don’t speak up for yourself:
People will continue to walk all over you and take credit for your work, unless you assert yourself. Remember there’s a reason you were employed- you have expertise, skills and experience. If you lack the assertiveness to stand-up for yourself, then it may be worth investing in a course. The Casey Centre runs a range of courses on assertiveness and confidence building.
6. You lack confidence:
Confidence is one of the most important qualities in the workplace. Confidence can be used to befriend the most influential people within the company. Leading to possible promotions, the best projects, and the chance to work alongside the best in the business.
“If you don’t have confidence in yourself, neither will your boss or co-workers, leaving you stagnating in your career growth.” Says Dr Casey.
Dr Casey is the CEO of the Casey Centre, a health and education organisation. She's is also the author of How to Deal with Master Manipulators.
