We know have knowledge of what a toxic work environment looks like. If you are such in an environment, you may need to make some decisions. Here are some ways you can go about navigating the toxic environment.

Have an exit Strategy: where you have realised that your workplace is toxic and things have no possibility of improving and there are no prospects of growth, its prudent have an exit plan. Start by polishing your CV, looking through existing work network and upgrading your skills. You may move to a distinct career path, or town. Apply for jobs that you find suitable, while doing so do some background check on the organisation before moving. This will help you know whether you are moving from a terrible environment to a worse one.

Pursue Hobbies: Hobbies are beneficial because they provide an opportunity for personal growth and reflection outside of the workplace, which is essential for mental health. These are great ways to relief stress, can develop oneself and can bring some fun into one’s life. Aim at interactive hobbies where engage with other people with similar interest and create networks around the hobbies. This will help in keeping your mind off the stress caused by the toxic environment. Ensure you have a fulfilling life outside the workplace.

Make some new acquaintances: When things get tough at work, or when making significant decisions about career pathways or where to live next, having someone who knows what you’re going through can make all the difference. Having friends around can make you feel less alone. Being in the company of others who care about what happens in your life can help you remember that not everything is bad all the time.

Positive mind-set towards life: even whenever circumstances don’t go as intended, there will be something positive to take away from the experience. You can’t let one terrible experience prevent you from doing everything else that brings you joy. Make sure you maintain a positive attitude! You will be a lot happier if you focus on the positive aspects of your circumstance rather than the negative ones.

Document your work: it means documenting your work as a way of keeping track of what you’ve done and what you’re capable of. Saving emails and take notes during meetings, phone calls, and interactions with others. We can use this documentation for performance reviews, especially where the system is dysfunctional, work well, for skill and career development and as evidence to support your claim if you need to file a complaint. A record of the negative traits observed arms one with knowledge of what to look out for and assists one in navigating such situations early.

There is no trade off to physical and mental wellbeing. These strategies should not be a stamp that one needs to stay in a toxic environment. One’s health is more valuable and always protects it.