23 Ways To Protect Your Positive Mood From Negative People At Work

Be honest. Some days you dread going to the office, right?

But it’s not the job you dread, it’s the people. More specifically, those negative people at work whose sole purpose in life seems to be to bring you down.

Staying positive in such a negative environment is a pain in the rear you can do without.

But it’s their negativity and cynicism that’s going nowhere. Studies show that the main determinate to your career success is attitude. And a positive mood breeds a positive attitude.

Sure there’s every chance they don’t recognize the negative atmosphere they’re creating. However, empathy aside, your mental well-being, happiness and chances of advancement are being adversely affected.

What you need are a few simple strategies to build a force field around your own positivity.

Before you get to the office

1. Wake up positive

Lack of sleep has been shown to lead to a lowered positive mood, irritability, hostility and even depression. Get a good night’s sleep and get a head start on preserving that upbeat mood.

2. Exercise positive

Create a mood boosting morning routine. Even if it means getting up a little earlier, take a short walk or jog outdoors.

3. Breakfast positive

Feast on a diet of positive news and other motivating sources before leaving the house.

4. Dress positive

It’s been known for a long time that color has an impact on our psychological mood. Add a splash of uplifting color – yellow or if you want to go a shade further, orange. For men, dress smarter for more confidence.

5. Smell positive

Researchers have found that smells trigger early memories, even though you may not be consciously aware of the connection. Just go with it and wear a scent or aftershave that uplifts you.

6. Think positive

Positive thinking can help improve many aspects of your life, including coping with negative people at work. A positive outlook will allow you to see and grasp opportunities to boost your mood.

7. Affirm positive

Repeating a morning mantra such as, “I’m a positive force strong enough to withstand any negativity,” can boost your well-being and help you perform better at work.

8. See the positive

Being optimistic and seeing the bright side has long been linked to better mental and physical well-being, which in turn allows you to better deal with difficult people.

At the office

9. Take the lead

Be prepared with upbeat topics to start a conversation. By going first you’ll have more control to ensure the tone stays positive.

10. Put a positive spin on it

If you can’t get in there first, turn the conversation around by seizing on a theme for which you have a related positive experience or story.

11. Use open body language

Another quick and simple way to boost your mood is using ‘power poses.’ Also be alert to unconsciously mirroring the body language of negative people at work.

12. Sit up

Don’t be a slouch. Sitting up straight makes you more upbeat and along with open body language sends out positive vibes.

13. Avoid eye contact

During negative conversations focus away from their eyes. You will make less connection with them and their words will carry less weight as a result.

14. Learn to say “no”

Minimize your contact with negative people at work by learning to say no to involvement with them whenever you can.

15. Change the tone

If a co-worker is complaining or moaning say, “Hey, that clearly hasn’t made you feel good. How about we see how we could turn that around – are you up for that?”

16. Understand what they are really saying

Listen beyond the actual words others use, as negative chatter and miserable stories can often mask feelings of low self-esteem and inferiority. The empathy you feel will dilute their words and will also make you feel more positive towards yourself, further boosting your mood.

17. Leave gossiping to the gossipers

Talking about people behind their back has been shown to lower your self-esteem, even when you are not being overly critical. Stay positive and away from gossiping.

18. Laugh in the face of negativity

Well, smile at least and diffuse that negativity. Refuse to take them and their gloomy view of life or your workplace to heart.

Ramp up your defenses…

19. Offer some positive input

Send the negative people at work a link to a resource of positive daily inspiration they could subscribe to. Personalize the message below
Hi _________________,
I noticed when we were chatting that you seemed a bit low. Here’s a great site [LINK] that helped me when I was feeling down – thought it might give you a lift.
Best ________________

20. Set the tone for your workspace

Protect your positivity with a permanent sign that’s clearly visible before anyone reaches you: ‘Nothing good to say? Then please say it somewhere else.’

21. Ditch that negativity

For a less subtle hint, place a wastebasket in front of your workstation with a sign: ‘Please dump your negativity here.’

22. Declare your stance

Let your co-workers know that you’re on a positivity drive or challenge. Ask supportive colleagues to call you out if you lapse.

If nothing else works…

23. Read them the riot act

Explain to negative people at work that you have a serious allergic reaction to negativity. Tell them how your head swells and your eyes roll – they may have to call an ambulance.

Protect your positive mood

Fortify your immunity to other’s bad moods and pessimism with the simple steps above.

Refuse any longer to surrender your day, your positive mood and your future to the negativity of a co-worker.

After all it’s your life, your happiness and your career on the line here.

Make the decision – and make it a positive one.

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