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Call it harassment, intimidation, aggression coercive management or things seen as ‘just a joke’ are all common labels for what is called bullying. If you are one of those who is always harassed by your colleagues at work, here’s a list of things you can do to combat bullying:

Remember bullies just wait for a reaction from people getting bullied. But if you just walk away or ignore their jokes, mails and instant messages, you are clearly telling them that you just do not care. Sooner or later the intimidator will probably get bored with trying to bother you. You just continue minding your own business and learn to completely ignore them. Stop feeling shy and weird to face them. Just show as if you don’t know what is happening. Using this type of body language sends a message that you’re not vulnerable. Trust us and learn to ignore the aggressor.

Who wouldn’t get upset about being-bullied? Well it is pretty much natural. But remember, that’s exactly the kind of response he or she is trying to get from you. Tormentors love to show that they have control over people around them. If you’re in a situation where you have to deal with a bully and you can’t walk away with poise, don’t get angry and start acting crazy. Instead work out your anger in another way, such as through exercise or write down things that disturb you, but then make sure you tear up those letters or notes you write in anger. Hold on to your anger.

Practice ways to respond to the bully verbally or through your behavior with confidence. It is very important to feel good about yourself, even if you have to fake it at first. Act confident and just show them that their behavior is not harming you in any way.

If you choose to deal with a bully, let it be verbal and not physical. Never ever get physical, do not kick, hit or push someone in anger. This kind of behavior can really put you in trouble. You never know what the bully may do in return. So please do not get violent. Just stand up for yourself and gain control of the situation by walking away or by being assertive in your actions. Some people believe that hitting back is the only way to tackle with a ‘Rude’ fellow. But that is not the right way to deal with them guys. Aggressive responses tend to lead to more violence and more persecuting for the victims.

If it is a serious case and has been disturbing you, try discussing it with a counselor, a close friend or anyone who can give you the kind of support you need. But never keep it to yourself and feel frustrated. Discussing issues is the best way to feel better. Speak up if required even to your superiors so that they know the facts about the bully.

You can’t control other people’s actions, but you can stay true to yourself. Think about ways to feel your best and your strongest so that those bullies just give up. Exercise is one way to feel strong and powerful. It’s a great stress buster too. Or you could also join some yoga class. Another way to gain confidence is to keep yourself busy in chess, art, music, computers, or writing whenever you have some free time for yourself. Joining a class, club, or gym is a great way to make new friends and feel great about your self. The confidence you gain will help you ignore those mean colleagues. Take charge of your life and bullies will gradually learn to be subdued.