Open Your Despair-Release Valve

Three techniques to get through your workday when it seems the world has gone mad

Photo by Tereshchenko Dmitry purchased on Shutterstock

This morning, the continued cries of shock and despair in my Facebook feed over the siege of the U.S. Capitol are punctuated by memes about the folly of now attempting to concentrate on a desk job.

I get it. I allowed myself to go to bed last night in a stinky foul mood. I tossed and turned. When the dog barked in the middle of the night, I lost my cool. This morning’s work to-do list feels menial. Like most of us, yesterday’s unfoldings are deeply under my skin.

Yet I know I have some choices. Releasing the internal pressure doesn’t require snapping at my colleagues or shouting down my frightened sidekick. It requires me to take responsibility for my state of mind. It requires me to be intentional about staying steady, keeping my well of hope from being drawn down, and getting through my workday with a modicum of productivity.

This morning, if you’re struggling to put your mental state in such a place that you can do your job, try these three techniques.

Control your consumption

Know the difference between being adequately informed and going down the social media and news-commentary rabbit hole.