How do you handle tough days?

[-]

lynxss1@reddit

Motorcycles and poor impulse buys.

Reply

[-]

NuAngel@reddit

I impulse bought my 2nd motorcycle once... but who *wouldn't* want a 1985 Goldwing LE?

Reply

[-]

Fast hikes in nature with 20lbs on my back. Gets the blood pumping and endorphins running Gets all the benefits of solitude and nature And the drive to and from the trail puts a smile on my face. I'm in my happy place.... Really bad morning? Go for a walk or a drive at lunch.... Just get away, turn your phone off, and disconnect for a few breaths. It does a world of good. One of the hardest lessons I learned was that 14hour days are no good.....8 hour days with no break is no good....get up and get away from your desk for a few minutes every hour or two. Spend 20 minutes at lunch disconnected. At the end of the day, you'll accomplish more that trying to slog through non-stop. And you'll be happier. Win-win

Reply

[-]

way__north@reddit

Well, sounds a bit too familiar, I'm motivated by learning new stuff and getting things fixed. And when stuff pile up and I'm stuck with an ever growing queue, its demoralizing. The best thing: Getting some Eureka! moment on a friday afternoon to solve some complex issue that have been hampering us all week. 5 years ago, I had a period with serious lack of concentration and focus needed to do my work properly. Went to the doctor and was diagnosed with a sleeping disorder and got my CPAP. It really helped. After that, we've had an extended period of turnover in my team, having to take on extra tasks and responsibilitiies. Over time this have been kinda exhausting. So when leaving work, I've been hitting the couch all spent, instead of doing my hobbies etc. Or excercise. And my outlet for this have been going to the pub to meet buddies. 2 years ago, my neck and back started acting up, so I started going for walks. Also got physiotherapy for my "monkey" back. These 2 things helps my sleep quality - more energy both on and off work. Still got some days where my brain just "goes offline", then I find some tasks like cleaning out cardboard boxes or tidying up our stash of HDMI/DP//Cat6 cables etc. Still understaffed and overworked, but getting rid of legacy systems in favor of SAAS solutions sure helps a bit - "Sorry, I cant help you, contact vendor support" On vacation now for 3 more weeks - thats nice! Even if agustt's gonna be rough, lol!

Reply

[-]

way__north@reddit

I also live in a place where the amount of daylight varies greatly during the seasons. Spring / summer = lots of daylight and more energy. Fall / winter = short days, less energy. So when the days get shorter and I feel energy levels drop off, I plan to take an extended lunch break so I can go for a 45min walk every day to get a "recharge".

Reply

[-]

FerretBusinessQueen@reddit

I try to keep in mind that bad days/weeks are temporary and will pass. I try to give myself a chance to breathe/take a break/not rush, especially since I give it my all and go pretty much non-stop at my normal pace. So bad days I give myself a little more space and try to be more aware. Self care after a bad day is big- binging a good (or guilty pleasure) tv show or taking a bubble bath are big coping mechanisms for me. Keep in mind it took me a very extended nervous breakdown and extreme therapy to get to where I am. So on that note I’d also offer that getting therapy before you get to that point can be helpful.

Reply

[-]

WestDrop3537@reddit

I drink. Not the best therapy but it works for me

Reply

[-]

HYRHDF3332@reddit

Are we talking morning desk whisky or sipping a good bourbon at home while making dinner?

Reply

[-]

WestDrop3537@reddit

lol, not drinking at work, after work beers and maybe a gin and tonic or 2

Reply

[-]

bigchizzard@reddit

I run in the middle of every day. It clears my mind when i get going and im fresh when i get back.

Reply

[-]

Jonkinch@reddit

I hate running, but I go on long walks. Usually about 4 miles a night when I get home. Alcohol or weed don’t help. It either makes my brain avoid it or nonstop thinking about it. Walking, I address the issues in my head and then walk them out.

Reply

[-]

recon89@reddit

Walking is technically healthier than running

Reply

[-]

Josh-405@reddit

It's also easier on your joints. Not as much impact, especially on your knees.

Reply

[-]

lumpenproletarier@reddit

I use a row machine. It's the lowest of low impact.

Reply

[-]

AtTheRogersCup2022@reddit

The high I get from a run is what keeps me sane. Maybe that isn’t in itself healthy but god it feels like it.

Reply

[-]

xixi2@reddit

It's pretty proven that cardio, including running, is pretty healthy to do so don't worry.

Reply

[-]

tomasfern@reddit

For me it's swimming that does it. 40 mins are usually enough

Reply

[-]

boondock_@reddit

I definitely get some kind of exercise daily. It's a game changer in terms of mental clarity when you need it.

Reply

[-]

GooglyMoogly122@reddit

I know someone that does this. You would happen to have the initials M.O would you now

Reply

[-]

PhotographyPhil@reddit

This was amazing for me! All pressure of the day has gone. Crush the work in the afternoon! New place cannot do it though so back to 5AM for me. 😭

Reply

[-]

Charming-Tomato-4455@reddit

After work I clear my mind. I will leave it for the next day. Can’t let the job stress you.

Reply

[-]

Humble-Plankton2217@reddit

My mantra is "Every problem is solvable" Granted, it may not be solvable in a day or a week or a month, and the solution may be get rid of it and use something else, but when it's all said and done - it's solved.

Reply

[-]

dusk787@reddit

After health issues took me to the hospital and almost died, I now go to the gym at lunch take 1:30 hours to just recenter clear my head.

Reply

[-]

Doomstang@reddit

Sometime I'll go to the gym and do some cardio while I watch a funny show (Letterkenny right now). Other times, I'll go home and listen to a podcast or music while I mow the lawn. It takes no brain power to go back and forth and I don't have to worry about work, family, etc....I just decompress and make satisfyingly straight lines back and forth.

Reply

[-]

CNYMetalHead@reddit

Massive guardrail of cocaine. Kidding Music and going for a drive.

Reply

[-]

Packabowl09@reddit

>Music and going for a drive. I call it "triple digit therapy". Sometimes you need a lil adrenaline to remind you what's actually important.

Reply

[-]

r4x@reddit

I would think that would give you the opposite effect and just make you more irritable.

Reply

[-]

CNYMetalHead@reddit

The cocaine or the music and driving?

Reply

[-]

r4x@reddit

The coke.

Reply

[-]

Packabowl09@reddit

Couple drinks and then a little what I call "Triple digit therapy" while driving my car.

Reply

[-]

Thedguy@reddit

As with everything… depends. If I’m just feeling like I’m failing at everything, I’ll reset and work on things that I know I can do, be it monotonous or just easily solved. At least then I can feel like I’m productive and get that dopamine hit. Now if it’s one of those “why does everyone have to have a fucking fire right now?” weeks… well attack the ones that your boss will see. I do find those issues I get stuck on, I’ll go talk to someone unfamiliar with it and explain the whole thing, then I realize what I was missing. Some days I just turn off notifications for a bit, put on some music and go for a walk. And sometimes I’m in the verge of a nervous breakdown in the corner of the sever room eating lunch meat from the package, hoping the 2u UPS isn’t as secure as I thought it was.

Reply

[-]

PeterH9572@reddit

This - always find yourself an easy job or two to fix. I've been known just to do some simple help desk jobs as an escape from Business Case Hell or process mapping purgatory. At the end of the day always make a point of looking at any success, however small and reminding yourself you made a difference. Pace yourself

Reply

[-]

Thedguy@reddit

I’ve begun to take this a step further and in the morning I’ll purposely do a couple basic tasks. Helps set up the mindset and get the ball rolling for the day.

Reply

[-]

kerosene31@reddit

\#1 thing with a tough problem is to walk away from it. It is hard to do, but even if you can take 5 minutes and NOT think about it. Longer if you can. Walk outside, splash some cold water on your face. Check your phone for something mindless or play some mindless mobile game. Then, when you do get back, question everything you assumed along the way. Chances are, you missed something early. Often, there's something you're assuming that is wrong. It is so easy to get "tunnel vision" on a problem, and no matter what, once you reach that frustration point, you'll be no use to anyone.

Reply

[-]

thortgot@reddit

Everyone has off days, don't let it get to you. Unless you find yourself more off than on that's relatively normal. I found an exercise of writing down the days events and what my emotional state was throughout the day for a few weeks helped me understand what the "levers" I had control over. I still have bad days but now I've got a codified plan to react and adjust to tough circumstances. I've needed to change it a few times but generally it's been the same for the last 15 years. Easily the largest quality of life upgrade in my career.

Reply

[-]

dude_named_will@reddit

Play with my kids

Reply

[-]

r4x@reddit

I haven’t made any hard progress on any of my projects in about 2 weeks so I’m sort of in this boat now. What do I do? I simply put one foot in front of the other and have good communication with my boss. If I need to take a mental health day, it’s no big deal.

Reply

[-]

knxdude1@reddit

I go fishing after work every day. It’s nice to be able to turn everything off and that is the only thing that works for me 99% of the time.

Reply

[-]

CaptainZhon@reddit

I do CrossFit and stay afterwards and lift weights.

Reply

[-]

sysadminbj@reddit

Bourbon..... I hear it helps with the bad days. That and PTO.

Reply

[-]

Ice_Leprachaun@reddit

Matter of opinion… for me bourbon is disgusting. Not going to knock your choice as others may choose vodka or tequila. Here are my remedies: Irish Whiskey is for bad days. Or to get a PTO day. Scotch is for good PTO days. Expensive Scotch is for great days and celebrations.

Reply

[-]

sysadminbj@reddit

Well... I grew up in Kentucky right in the middle of Bourbon country. It was either bourbon or really cheap beer.

Reply

[-]

Ice_Leprachaun@reddit

Makes sense.

Reply

[-]

scoldog@reddit

I know alcohol is commonly seen as Sysadmin juice. As with all things, please drink in moderation, or even quit if possible. Ex Sysadmin now IT Manager with 25 years working with computers and had health issues in the past thanks to over consumption of alcohol.

Reply

[-]

mwohpbshd@reddit

Hi....are you me?

Reply

[-]

Nightflier101BL@reddit

Bourbon equals PTO some days :)

Reply

[-]

luckyflipflops@reddit

Or…bourbon results in PTO. Same same I guess

Reply

[-]

223454@reddit

Do your best, then go home. Leave work at work as much as possible. The worst thing they can do is spank you and take your birthday away.

Reply

[-]

D1TAC@reddit

I try to leave work at a reasonable time, head to the gym and work off that tough day. Sometimes if it's really a long day, I try to take a walk or jog outside. Generally speaking nothing is worth stressing over for.

Reply

[-]

m4nf47@reddit

Remind myself that we've gotta take the rough with the smooth and it's only a few more weeks till the next holidays.

Reply

[-]

Sidoooooo@reddit

get home, turn up the guitar amp, grab a guitar and play some deftones, maybe killswitch engage, or whatever i'm feeling at the moment loud enough that i can feel the floor shake. then once i'm done with that i grab a drink, smoke, and put on some jazz for an hour before bed :)

Reply

[-]

InvisibleTextArea@reddit

I got up on deck and mess around with my sail boat for a bit.

Reply

[-]

btbam666@reddit

Jog after work filled by beer.

Reply

[-]

Ifuqaround@reddit

Ah, alcohol induced exercise. Feels like you run harder and for a longer period of time, right? [for your health](https://youtu.be/3697f0zoOFw?t=38)

Reply

[-]

btbam666@reddit

I actually have done a couple beer miles in my youth run a quarter mile drink a beer.

Reply

[-]

Ifuqaround@reddit

In my younger years I'd walk from Kearny to Jersey City fueled by beer.

Reply

[-]

paperlevel@reddit

I started playing guitar, blues comes from a troubled soul and a worried mind

Reply

[-]

CallistaMouse@reddit

I took up drums. It can be very therapeutic!

Reply

[-]

BiteMaJobby@reddit

Go home have a whisky and smoke a gargantuan joint.

Reply

[-]

Ok_SysAdmin@reddit

Jamison. A lot of us become alcoholics.

Reply

[-]

Devilnutz2651@reddit

Get home, change, put my ear buds in, put on my grass cutting shoes, and get to work. All that shit goes away

Reply

[-]

Lanathell@reddit

Working out. Drinks with friends who work in IT so I can vent. I try to step back as much as I can so I don't tunnel vision on specific issues or hardships. Beer/whiskey mostly

Reply

[-]

PlasmaStones@reddit

I started collecting Whiskeys....it's nice to splash some in a glass and sip/nip at it. I'm not a drinker, but it differently helps me if need to recenter and relax.

Reply

[-]

BalderVerdandi@reddit

Bourbon and cigars, or riding my side by side in the mountains. Depends on when/where it happens. I'm working overseas, so I live and work onsite. If it's a rough day then it's bourbon and cigars. If I'm home, I'll hop into my side by side and take a ride up into the mountains.

Reply

[-]

FeralSquirrels@reddit

I find walks help, or doing things that take your mind off of it etc. I ride a Motorcycle to work, which I love to bits so that always helps (as well as when the traffic is shocking). I'm lucky enough to work somewhere that there's a few decent walks nearby, so if I get in early I'll have a brief one and again at lunch. After work I'll also go for one as I _also_ luckily have some decent ones nearby too. Exercise = endorphins = happy times. That and I game, spend time with offspring and friends etc which all helps. Work is just a part of the day, not the whole day and I sure as hell do my best to not make it something I start to dread or feel bad about. If I do, you better bet I grab that bull wherever possible and wrestle it to improve the odds - speak to colleagues, your boss/manager and if you have a decent relationship, they'll help. If not, generally that's the point that, assuming it's "day to day" issues, work relationships or just crap working environment I'll look for another job ASAP rather than mess around hoping it improves. Hell, it's not like that's not what the overwhelming majority do to get a payrise anyway - I don't _like_ hopping jobs, but hell it gives you variety and usually pay bump to make it worthwhile.

Reply

[-]

wtf_com@reddit

I work out five days a week in the morning and I find it clears me of all the stress and lets me focus. That being said I still have bad days but for those I just accept I’m not going to get anything important done and do what I can. Usually the next day I’m back in operating mode and will make up the difference there.

Reply

[-]

Few_Breadfruit_3285@reddit

Think about payday.

Reply

[-]

xXkattungeslakterXx@reddit

After work I stop by my local bar and call the bartender and tell him to come to me. He usually asks me "So what you want?". I say "One bourbon, one scotch, one beer". When I drink bourbon, whiskey, scotch and gin I get high and loose. After a while my mouth starts to get dry and I ask my bartender what time it is. He says "It's three o'clock, last call for for alcohol." He then asks "What do you need?". I say "I want one bourbon, one scotch and one beer". That's at least what I do. This does not include weekends.

Reply

[-]

Global_Felix_1117@reddit

Keep your needfuls close, and your cannabis closer. Diablo 4 helps

Reply

[-]

Dick_in_owl@reddit

Unfortunately in my late 20s the weed started to make everything worse and fucked my ability to handle stress

Reply

[-]

EskimoBeratnas@reddit

This is too accurate.

Reply

[-]

mbkitmgr@reddit

It was easier when I worked alongside others - either peers or subordinates. Now I work for myself and you just have to come up with new ways at looking at the problems you are having on the bad days. This in itself generates a relief and you learn to gobble up that good feeling. I need more exercise, but a day on my M/c is the best therapy I can get. I have a favourite loop that is abut 700kms I do in a day - it physically and mentally demanding and breaks the "mind lock" I really good question to by the way...

Reply

[-]

No-Combination2020@reddit

Some days you will just spin your wheels and go nowhere with it. It's a part of tech life. I don't want to say alcohol is an answer but a change of mindset is. Many of times i have left the issue at 5 and come back at 7 because my change in mindset has acquired a different way to attempt the problem and it solved it in minutes. All in all, Fresh Eyes is the only answer. Your's or someone else's.

Reply

[-]

user993o@reddit

Lift weights on weed.

Reply

[-]

LycheeLitschiLitchi@reddit

Tell my boss I’m having a shitty day, ask if I can leave and make up the time another day. He normally says yes. Last one did too. As long as I’m available for any scheduled meetings, that is …

Reply

[-]

ScaredNetworkTech@reddit

Luckily I'm in a situation I can use cannabis if im stressing out and still get my work done.

Reply

[-]

SUPERDAN42@reddit

Go for a walk

Reply

[-]

scoldog@reddit

I'm getting old, so I don't really get stressed out these days. It's not worth it. Then again, I'm a volunteer fire-fighter that has had people die in front of me. A Cxx level exec screaming about a 'faulty' (AKA over a year old') laptop is nothing compared to that. I learnt how to meditate early on and it helps at the end of the day. That and exercise when I can do it.

Reply

[-]

d3adbor3d2@reddit

Buy it now button (kidding!) It’s lame but exercise helps a lot. We sit on our ass most days. The annoying, stressful days are also faced… sitting down. Physical activity balances it out. You don’t even need a gym membership; walk, run, swim, anything to get you moving and sweating. There’s also video games, sex, weed, etc.

Reply

[-]

RandomXUsr@reddit

I have a kernel panic, and reboot.

Reply

[-]

rpared05@reddit

On bad days i just do what makes me happy……I donkey punch sales people

Reply

[-]

Ice_Leprachaun@reddit

Today was an off day for me as well. Woke up groggier than normal. Luckily coffee helped get me going as per usual. But found couple things I missed earlier on that I could have resolved without outside influence on any other day. Had I not already felt tired and slightly dehydrated, would’ve poured myself one. Stuck with water this evening instead.

Reply

[-]

allthegoodtimes80@reddit

Copious amounts of vodka

Reply

[-]

S0uled_Out@reddit

I treat myself to a delicious meal and some video games for getting through the day.

Reply

[-]

derekb519@reddit

This is the way. Tears of the Kingdom has been a godsend for me lately.

Reply

[-]

ZaMelonZonFire@reddit

Lifting weights during the week very irregularly. Drinking and wrenching on my project car on the weekends.

Reply

[-]

AlexTheTrashman@reddit

Blasting music in My car on my way home. When I have a bad day I play it over and over in my head till I'm exhausted. I then get home, pick up my newborn daughter and forget everything about it. Tomorrow is a new day

Reply

[-]

ManyInterests@reddit

Overall, I try not to let tough days get to me. I've only had a few truly stressful/demoralizing days at work in years, not because these kind of situations never happen, but because of how I (don't) react to them. To do this, I try to remember/do a few things: - It's all part of the job - I still get paid the same even when I'm on day 3 of what should have been a 15 minute task - After hours, it's time to stop working until tomorrow (work a second job or work a hobby project if you really love tech work) - Nothing at work should be worth stressing over -- it's just a job and you can always get another one; you're most likely to progress your title/salary when changing employers, anyhow. - Take/ask for the time you need (and a bit extra) to complete all your tasks, or reduce the number of tasks you do.

Reply

[-]

mauro_oruam@reddit

I had days were people and devices are being difficult and nobody is cooperating and I am being pulled 10 different ways. I straight up get up. Set my status as Do not disturb. Walk off or drive off for a short break. I buy a drink at the nearest gas station and take a quick walk. Always helps me not blow up on people and say things I may regret later. Also gives me breathing room to figure out what is actually priority and what angle I will use to tackle the problem at hand

Reply

[-]

throwaway47382836@reddit

alcohol.

Reply

[-]

ExPorkie15@reddit

Troll on Reddit. Also masturbation and booze.

Reply

[-]

hestolethatguyspiza@reddit

Good ol booze and ooze eh

Reply

[-]

vogelke@reddit

When I have days where calling me stupid would be an insult to stupid people, I make them "read-only" days; handle simpler stuff like making sure your files are under version control, maybe writing or proofing some documentation, etc. The stuff should be done and you may as well do it when you're short a few IQ points.

Reply

[-]

hbkrules69@reddit

Yoga. And Bourbon. Sometimes at the same time. But seriously, try yoga. Excellent stress reducer. Just remember, it’s only a job. You are human.

Reply

[-]

Doso777@reddit

Stress out, don't sleep much, eventually collapse and sleep a lot on free days.

Reply

[-]

ArtilleryRowSecurity@reddit

I wouldn’t overthink bad days too hard. No one has a perfect batting average. If you had a string of WTF moments trying to fix issues which I think we all have occasionally, take a step back and handle some mindless things at the bottom of your To Do List. Maybe ride shotgun on an issue with a coworker.

Reply

[-]

willingzenith@reddit

A long walk or a bike ride. Basically some time outside breathing.

Reply

[-]

VisualWheel601@reddit

On bad days I just try to slow down, if I am frustrated I am more likely to make mistakes. If I notice I am getting in a rut and having bad week(s), I take some time off. After a 4-5 day weekend I feel reenergized when I return to work.

Reply

Reply to Post

99 Comments