It's a fact of life, we all have to face a personal crisis at some time or another. And it can be distracting for us at work. Before we know it, our mind is wandering off to that issue and we aren't doing our job to the best of our ability. So how are we supposed to stay focused at work? Consider these tips on how to deal with a personal crisis and still be productive.
1. Don't over share.
Some people might have the urge to discuss their problems at work.1 If there's a tough decision to be made, people often like to poll others on what they should do. However, this might not be the best idea, especially if the issue is controversial or could affect your standing at work. Conversely, if it's a personal health issue, you may need to inform your boss or colleagues of your absence so it doesn't reflect on you negatively. But if you tend to share your problems with everyone at work, you may have an issue. Someone could end up making judgments about you or could use your problems to their advantage. If you do choose to discuss an issue with a trusted friend, make sure it stays between the two of you.
2. Time off is OK.
You might feel guilty for taking time off to sort through your thoughts. Many times, bosses will understand if you need to take a personal day to collect yourself. Focus on rest, eating regular meals and surrounding yourself with support. Once you return to work, give yourself a 15 minute break each day to process your thoughts concerning the issue, and then get back to work. Spending a little time each day working things through in your head will help you transition back to a normal workday.
3. Communication is key.
If you're going through a serious personal crisis where you'll need more than a day to recover and heal, you need to communicate with your boss.2 Discuss the issue at hand and see if he or she would be willing to give you the time you need to cope. You should also find out if the company would be willing to let you work remotely during your crisis to help smooth things over. You can also inquire about legal or counseling services provided through the company, which is a helpful service many employees don't seriously consider.
Learn how Ultimate Medical Academy Student Services helps students face challenges and while continuing school.