Tips for Managing Emotions in the Workplace

Updated on December 30, 2020
Tips for Managing Emotions in the Workplace

Amidst the pandemic is a flurry of hardworking healthcare professionals. The usual stress of handling crisis, long hours, and understaffing has reached an extreme zenith over the past year. As a result, and to no surprise, people are having a hard time coping. In these difficult times it is important to remember a few tips for managing emotions in the workplace.

Practice Emotional Soothing Techniques

One of the first and most immediate ways anyone can manage their emotions is via tried-and-true techniques such as meditation. With all the sadness, anger, and anxiety surrounding the healthcare field, it is very healthy to set aside time to unplug. During your free time, try to build a meditation routine. Creating self-care habits to sooth emotions is a good idea as well. Memories of peaceful moments, remembering plans to cool off afterwork, and even meditation techniques can be brought back into the workplace to help smooth out choppy emotions throughout the day.

Redirect Intense Reactions

There are many times when other people do not consider other people’s mental health while they struggle with their own. Healthcare workers sadly get the brunt of both coworkers’ shared stress as well as backlash from the confused and frightened general populace. With so much suffering and anger seemingly everywhere, it is harder than ever to react calmly. Nevertheless, we absolutely must slow the spread of panic as well as sickness. When something outrages us, it’s important to distance ourselves so we absolutely cannot react in the wrong way. Put off decisions when upset and redirect irrational people when you know you do not have the stability to act with grace.

Disarm Outbursts Before They Happen

The most important tip for managing emotions in the workplace is to understand your own limits. There are always those dreaded moments where we feel like we lose grip on ourselves. This can result in regrettable outbursts, painful internalizing, and for some, even panic attacks. The best way to handle these situations is to take precaution, such as by identifying major personal triggers and carving out regular emotional detox time. When things start to emotionally spiral, it’s time for more serious coping mechanisms. There is nothing wrong with admitting to yourself that times are hard. By facing the reality and taking self-care steps, every moment can be worked through little by little—no matter how bad it seems in the moment.