Resetting at Work: What to Do When Your Environment Is Turning Toxic
Let’s face it. Not every workplace is sunshine and coffee breaks.
Sometimes, it starts small. A snide comment. A manager who micromanages everything. A colleague who takes credit for your work. Over time, these little moments build up, and suddenly your chest is tight every Monday morning.
If this sounds familiar, know this: you’re not weak for noticing it, and you’re not alone in feeling worn down.
Toxic work environments aren’t just uncomfortable, they can be depleting. They impact your confidence, your motivation, and even your physical health. So what can you do when your job starts draining your soul?
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Start with what you can control. Whether it’s saying no to extra tasks after hours or not joining in on negative lunchroom gossip, boundaries protect your energy and your peace.
2. Keep Notes
If something crosses the line, document it. Keep a log (dates, times, what happened) in case things escalate. This isn’t just for HR, it’s to help you validate your own experiences.
3. Create Micro-Pockets of Calm
You may not be able to control your workplace, but you can build little anchors in your day. Go outside for five minutes. Breathe deeply before meetings. Step away from your desk for lunch. These small acts add up.
4. Talk to Someone
Don’t hold it all in. Speak to someone you trust, a mentor, a coach, or a mental health professional. Sometimes just saying things out loud brings clarity.
5. Build Your Inner Resilience
Toxic workplaces test your mental fitness. Tools like Workbench for the Mind help you find calm, shift perspective, and tap back into your power, even when things around you feel messy.
You matter more than any job.
If your workplace is affecting your mental health, you’re allowed to say, “This isn’t okay.” You’re allowed to take steps toward something better. You’re allowed to choose you.
Start with you. Sign up for Workbench for the Mind and reclaim your headspace one tool at a time. 🌸 Grab the access here: https://workbenchforthemind.mykajabi.com/wbftm-online-program
