Unhealthy Work Environment: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Life can be complex enough but when your work environment is unhealthy, it can really knock you - undermining your sense of self and depleting your reserves. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job that drains you, makes you anxious, or doesn’t feel right, you're not alone. You might be wondering whether to persevere or leave. I want to help you understand the impact of your work on your overall well-being and guide you in making a decision that honours your health and happiness.

Why Doesn’t It Feel Right?

An unhealthy work environment doesn’t always show up as obvious problems like yelling or drama. Sometimes, it’s the little things that slowly chip away at your well-being. Here’s what might be going on beneath the surface and how it can affect your health:

• Chronic Stress and Exhaustion
  When your work is constantly stressful, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode. This is your nervous system reacting to stress, and it produces a hormone called cortisol. High levels of cortisol for long periods can leave you feeling drained, foggy, and mentally exhausted. If you're always running on empty, it’s a sign that stress is taking a toll.

• Lack of Emotional Support or Recognition
  When you feel unsupported at work, your brain doesn’t get the “reward” it craves. You may start to feel disconnected or unappreciated, which can lead to frustration, sadness, or even anger. Over time, feeling unnoticed or undervalued can lower your confidence and motivation.

• Toxic Leadership and Negative Energy
  If you work for someone who creates fear or negativity, it triggers anxiety in your brain. This means you’re constantly on edge, which makes it hard to relax or think clearly. A negative work culture can kill creativity and leave you feeling stifled, stressed, and unhappy.

• Discrimination and Lack of Inclusivity
  If you're dealing with discrimination or feeling excluded, your brain processes this just like physical pain. It can leave you feeling isolated, hurt, and mentally drained. Discrimination creates emotional wounds that make it difficult to stay motivated or believe in your worth.

• Work-Life Imbalance
  If your job is all-consuming and doesn’t leave room for rest, self-care, or family, it throws your body’s natural rhythm out of balance. Your nervous system, which helps your body relax and recover, gets stuck in overdrive. Over time, this imbalance leads to exhaustion, burnout, and even health problems like insomnia or stomach issues.

• Undermining Your Self-Worth
  One of the most insidious impacts of an unhealthy work environment is the way it can slowly chip away at your self-esteem. Constant criticism, lack of recognition, or being made to feel "less than" can lead you to believe that you are somehow “not enough” or “faulty.” Over time, these repeated experiences can erode your confidence and self-worth. You may start to question your abilities and value, believing that there’s something inherently wrong or broken about you.

  This is because your brain, particularly the amygdala (which processes emotional responses), is constantly tracking social signals. If your environment makes you feel less than, unimportant, or criticised, the brain starts to associate those feelings with your identity. This negative self-talk and inner dialogue, combined with the external stressors, can lead to deeper feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. You might find yourself doubting your abilities or feeling like you're failing, even when that’s far from the truth.

Should I Persevere or Move On?

When you’re stuck in an unhealthy work environment, it’s natural to wonder whether you should stay or leave. Here's how to think through the decision in a way that honors your mind, body, and spirit:

1. Listen to Your Body
   Your body is sending you signals. If you're constantly tired, have headaches, or feel like you’re running on fumes, that’s your body’s way of telling you it’s had enough. These symptoms are signs of stress affecting your nervous system. Taking care of yourself and paying attention to these signals can help you decide whether it’s time for a change.

2. Mental and Emotional Health
   How do you feel emotionally when you think about work? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained, that’s a sign your work environment is negatively affecting your mental health. An unhealthy environment can overwhelm your brain, making it harder to cope with daily stress and leaving you emotionally exhausted and unavailable for those relationships who mean the most to you.

3. Can You Heal and Create Change?
   Before you decide to leave, ask yourself if there’s room for healing within your current job. Can you set boundaries? Speak up for yourself? Talk to HR or a supportive coworker? If there’s potential for change and growth, it’s worth exploring. Your brain is capable of adapting and healing, but it requires effort and intention.

4. Alignment with Your Values
   Do you feel connected to your job and the work you do, or does it feel like you’re just going through the motions? If your work doesn’t align with your values, passions, or goals, it can feel draining and unfulfilling. When your work doesn’t resonate with who you are or what you want, your brain struggles to feel motivated or satisfied.

5. Trust Your Intuition
   If something just doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust your gut. Our intuition is our brain’s way of helping us make decisions based on past experiences and emotions. If you’re feeling like it’s time for a change, listen to that inner voice. It’s a powerful tool for guiding you toward what’s best for your health and happiness.

Holistic Ways to Heal and Transform Your Work Environment

Whether you decide to stay or move on, taking care of your health is essential. Here are some holistic tips to help you navigate an unhealthy work environment and protect your well-being:

1. Practice Mindfulness to Manage Stress
   Mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or even a short walk can help calm your nervous system. These activities activate the part of your brain that helps you relax and de-stress, which lowers cortisol levels and helps you feel more centered, even during tough moments at work.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries
   Setting boundaries helps protect your energy. It’s okay to say “no” when necessary, and it’s important to make time for rest. By doing this, you help your brain shift out of stress mode and allow space for recovery. Healthy boundaries let you reclaim control over your time and energy.

3. Build Emotional Resilience
   Emotional resilience is the ability to bounce back from tough situations. Journaling, talking to someone you trust, or practicing gratitude can help you build emotional resilience. Over time, these practices strengthen your brain’s ability to cope with stress and improve your overall emotional health.

4. Seek Support and Connection
   Surround yourself with supportive people who understand what you’re going through. This could be a friend, a mentor, or a community of like-minded women. Social support triggers positive brain chemicals like oxytocin, which help you feel safe, supported, and less stressed.

5. Reevaluate Your Career Path
   If your job is no longer fulfilling or aligned with your values, it may be time to explore new opportunities. A job that excites you and aligns with your passions can boost motivation and happiness, releasing brain chemicals like dopamine, which make you feel energised and fulfilled.

6. Embrace Change
   If your current environment feels unchangeable, sometimes making a change is the best option. Your brain can adapt to new situations, and finding a new job or role that better supports your well-being can lead to increased happiness, focus, and energy.

Final Thoughts

An unhealthy work environment isn’t just a job problem—it’s a life problem. Chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout can all affect your nervous system, emotions, and overall well-being. You deserve a work environment that nurtures your health, happiness, and growth. Whether you choose to heal in your current role or find a new path, well-being has to come first. Your health is the foundation of everything you do, and taking care of it will lead to more success and fulfilllment in every area of your life.