Negativity can affect your life on every level if you let it. It has the power to ruin relationships, decrease work performance, and increase stress levels.
The good news is that you can fight it by changing your mindset.
Not sure where to start? Then check out these smart, effective ways to protect yourself from negativity:
Don’t Take It Personally
Most people act in a certain way based on their previous experiences and current circumstances.
Perhaps someone’s partner cheated on them with a workmate in their the past, so now they act suspiciously in certain situations.
That doesn’t mean they have anything against you. They simply don’t trust people in general.
Try to stop taking things personally. If someone is misjudging you, prove to them that they are wrong. Be kind and authentic rather than stressing over it.
Set Boundaries
No matter how hard you try, you’ll never be able to please everyone. On the contrary – people will always come up with new demands and take advantage of your kindness.
That can undermine your self-esteem and keep you from focusing on your priorities. Learn to say “No” and set clear boundaries.
If someone reacts negatively or tries to hurt you, move on. That person may not be worth your time or attention.
Some people make excessive demands on your time. A true friend will understand that you have other things to do and that you’re not available around the clock.
Adopt a Positive Mindset
Be grateful for what you have and then seek ways to achieve more. Start a ‘gratitude journal’ and write a few things every day.
Collect some inspirational quotes and sayings which promote and reinforce positive thinking patterns and reduce negativity.
Your positive attitude will also inspire others and strengthen your relationships. The more you focus on the good in your life, the more opportunities will arise.
Find Solutions, Not Problems
Most people tend to focus on the problems they are facing instead of actively seeking solutions. That results in feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction.
Whenever you have a problem, take the steps needed to solve it. The longer you wait, the more obstacles you’ll face along the way.
Stay away from people who make a drama out of everything. They’re only wasting your time and energy. Their negativity will affect you sooner or later.
Surround yourself with positivity. Build relationships with people who encourage and support you.
Remember that people don’t care that much about what you say or do. Focus on whatever makes you happy and stop feeding the negativity around you.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
There is evidence that gut bacteria can affect your mood and that an imbalance in the gut microbiome could be involved in depression.
Gut bacteria influences not only our sense of well-being, but also our state of mind.
A study has illustrated that probiotics can directly affect depressed or negative thinking. Using probiotics as part of your diet may reduce depression, anxiety and stress
Once you take these steps, you’ll be happier and see new opportunities that you’d otherwise have missed.
The advice “not to take it personally” is good, but it’s a phrase that can be misused. It’s like the old bullying excuse that the victim “Can’t take a joke”. I suggest that if someone who deliberately upsets you tells you not to take it personally, you respond with “No, I shouldn’t have to, should I?”