3 Ways to Tell You Need Some Alone Time at Work

Had it with your coworkers? Boss getting you down? Finding your frustrations rising and you’re starting to think if one more thing goes wrong, you might just blow?

Have you considered you might need alone time at work?

The idea seems crazy. They hire you to work, not to hide in your cubicle or the restroom. At the same time, sometimes you just need to step away for a few minutes to restore your equilibrium. If you’re not sure if it’s time to dig in and keep going or step out, then consider these 3 ways, which will tell you immediately if you need some alone time at work.

Check your Mood
How are you reacting to your coworkers? If you’re becoming more terse and irritable as the day wears on, it might be time to step back. Does this seem almost too simple? It’s not. In fact, the biggest problem here is it’s hard to admit you’re starting to lose control. More often than not, we tend to stick it out when we shouldn’t. How can you tell if it’s too late? If you’re already apologizing for your mood, it’s probably past time to get out. The key? Start learning the warning signs, so you know when it’s time to go before you reach the breaking point. Then grab alone time designed to reduce stress.

The Ideas Are Gone
Have you reached a point where you’re just not coming up with anything worthwhile? It might be time for a break. Especially if you’re in a situation where you usually are full of ideas. What you want to pay attention to is not just the quantity of ideas but the quality. If you’re not really contributing anything new or just repeating what everyone else is, it might be time for a break. Do something to get the blood flowing again, like some quick exercises or a breath of fresh air to restore you back to a more creative space.

You’re Fighting Tears
If you’re about to blow in a big, messy emotional mess, you definitely need some alone time until you can get these feelings under control. This is non-negotiable. The problem? If you’re this overwrought, you need to step back. You’re letting things get too personal. Look for activity that will restore clarity and focus. Ask yourself why you’re triggered and mitigate those triggers ASAP.

Alone time at work doesn’t have to be lengthy to be helpful. If you’re worried about how this is going to look with your boss, ask yourself this: would it be more harmful to your career to break down completely or lose productivity entirely? Seriously, a few minutes out of the room is far better than the consequences of staying when you shouldn’t.