Dear Lindsey:

I see you are besides yourself (two Lindsey, lol).

I asked about the conversation with your co worker because you can ask her to let you know when she notices that you sound rude on the phone. This way, you can have her help you notice when you are going downhill (“The main problem is I don’t know when I’m going downhill”).

Regrading the supermarket example, an example to your going-downhill state of mind at work: get out of the supermarket. In other words, you see all the items with no price tag, you feel spaced out, don’t know where to go in the store, what to do next- leave. Or in other words, take a time out.

Why don’t you take a time out at work regularly, every hour, let’s say at X:15 (or as close to it as possible) and walk someplace where you can be alone and relax, some different environment, different scenery in the building or outside, take a few breaths, return to calm and then go back to work, until the next hour, do the same. Want to try that?

anita