As everyone returns to work after their end of year breaks, they would have realised that very little (if anything at all) has changed in their workplaces. Regardless of New Year’s resolutions, colleagues are still the same, work is still stressful, process still exist. In fact, if you hated your job before going on leave, chances are nothing will be different, besides perhaps your attitude.

But to get through the year, I thought I’d share some of the things I do that have always helped keep me sane and helped me cope at work.

• I always remember that people I work with sometimes always have different opinions than mine and hey, that’s great. It’s good to see their side once in a while and understand where they are coming from.
• There will always be that one colleague who I dislike immensely. Someone who gets on my nerves and who tests my patience. It’s not worth allowing that person to take up so much of my time. I try to ignore them. If the “noise” gets too much, I stick my skull candies in my ears and listen to music.
• Remembering to laugh. It’s not heart surgery (not where I work anyhow). No one is dying! Behind my desk, I have a pin-up wall of funny email jokes and pictures. I’m amazed how many colleagues will stop for a quick chuckle when they walk past my desk. It also reminds me to smile.
• It’s important to have something uniquely “YOU” to remind you daily of your values and who you are (especially in the corporate jungle). For me, it’s a dog calendar. I like to start my day off by paging to the entry of the day and seeing what dog will be smiling at me all day long. *I smile back*
• I ensure that I hang around positive people in the office. This is a cheap, easy way to lift my mood and my day. (@hayleym_ please come back soon)
• On last tip. I keep a tub of sour worms and chewy wine gums in my drawer and pull it out on certain days when the mood in the office is down. I call it my “stress bucket”. As people walk past, they see it and immediately grab one. It’s so funny to watch how everyone goes for the red, black and green ones first! Don’t underestimate the power of a sugar boost!

If all else fails, RUN. I mean, go for a run. Not only is it about finding a balance in life between work and home, but I often use my running to clear my head and to do most of my thinking.

In the end, there is a job that needs to get done. Unfortunately, no one is going to wait around for me when I am having a bad day or feel stressed out. I need to do what I need to do to de-stress and catch up or get left behind. Even if it means hitting the gym or going for a run. Everyone needs to find that something that helps.

Good luck!