The break room can be a haven for rest and recharging, or it can become a toxic wasteland that undermines your career success, according to Amy Arvary, a clinical hypnotherapist with 24 years of experience in the professional beauty industry. Her company, Amy Arvary Conscious Style coaches salon pros to change their thinking in order to increase their success. 

Arvary lists five toxic break room behaviors that you can change:

1. Complaining about too few clients. Arvary says that complaining in general is counter-productive and in this case reinforces your belief that you do not have enough clients. Think instead: I am grateful for the wonderful clients I attract.

2. Complaining about pay rate or commission. Again, being negative is not getting you anywhere. If your financial expectations are not being met, speak with your manager. Use the time in the break room to come up with ways to earn more by updating your skills, recruiting more clients, upselling to build the ticket and selling retail. Think instead: My talent and effort are attracting the money I desire.

3. Sleeping. Try to get the sleep you need at night. “Your expectation is that people will come to you for an experience that will leave them looking and feeling beautiful,” Arvary says. “How can you do this with mascara smeared on your face next to the lines of whatever you were resting your head on? Present your best self.” Think instead: I give my very best and receive the very best in return.

4. Arguing with coworkers. Creative personalities can clash, but Arvary advises being patient and remembering that everyone comes with a different set of life experiences. “Stay focused on your success,” Arvary recommends. “Allowing yourself to get angry causes tension around you. Your clients will feel it, and it will attract to you more negativity and anger.” Think instead: I act as I desire to be.

5. Gossiping about or making fun of clients, team members or management. “In the success you desire, there is no room for negative energy like that,” Arvary says. “Allow yourself to find the positive in every person and situation. That will inspire instead of stifle you.” Think instead: I am grateful for every person and experience in this life.

If you’re not complaining, sleeping or bickering, how should you be spending your time on break? Arvary has some ideas:

• Brainstorm and collaborate. Explore with other team members the classes and events available to you for education and inspiration. Tell each other about your passion for the industry and what you love most about the work.

• Use technology. Look for ideas on YouTube, Pinterest and Facebook. Go to product brand sites, and check out the latest fashion runways.

• Create storyboards to show clients. Snap before-and-after pics of your work, and clip photos you like from magazines. Your clients will love having you share your passion with them.

• Recite affirmations. Arvary suggests posting affirmation clues on the back of the break room door.

• Relax: Take a deep breath. Drop your shoulders.

• Imagine success: what you want to look like and sound like, how you plan to do your very best. Say: I am a success. I am a success. I am a success. “Let that become an automatic thought,” Arvery advises. “It will align you with the success you desire.”

Practice gratitude for every point you had been complaining about. Find something positive in each of those things, and look for hidden lessons in every challenge.