8 Ways to Protect Your Peace When Everyone Else is Negative
Negativity is all around us. In a world where social media and reality TV dictate how we should think and act, it’s no wonder that negativity is at an all-time high. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom. Being happy is easier said than done. At times, we are expected to juggle 100 things at once, so remaining positive is the least of our worries. Even though it can be difficult, it doesn’t make being positive any less important.
Staying joyful is good for you and your brain. Sometimes people don’t think about the many benefits that come with feeling happy. A few include improved relationships, better focus and concentration, increased confidence, the ability to fight stress and anxiety more effectively, stronger immune system, overall healthier lifestyle, pain reduction, and increased longevity of life.
Think about the way you feel around negative people. Do you have a tendency to be brought down with them, or do you find it easy to brush off their mood?
When you immerse yourself in negativity daily, you feel drained and negative thoughts overwhelm your mind. Luckily, you can consciously decide to eliminate or reduce negativity by taking practical steps to increase your positivity each day.
Use these strategies to stay positive and at peace, even if there’s negativity all around you:
Don’t take things too personally. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what others think or say about you, but their opinion is just that - an opinion. If someone is hostile towards you, it’s more a reflection of them than you. So, don’t take it to heart and let it bring you down.
Observe your thoughts and realize when you’re taking things personally. Observing your thoughts will help you catch yourself before getting too caught up in them.
Stop and look at the situation objectively. Try to see both sides of the story and understand the other person’s actions.
Challenge your beliefs - is there another way of looking at the situation? Are your beliefs about yourself true?
Focus on yourself, instead of worrying about what others think.
2. Don’t compare yourself to others. Comparison will destroy your mood. You have distinct talents and gifts, so comparing yourself to others is pointless. It’s like comparing kiwis to oranges - they’re both fruit, but they’re entirely different. There is a quote that says, “Flowers are pretty but so are sunsets and they look nothing alike.”
Instead, embrace your uniqueness and take advantage of your distinctive traits and features.
Remember that everyone is different. We all have different backgrounds, experiences, and stories. Just because someone seems to have it all together doesn’t mean that they aren’t fighting a personal battle of their own.
3. Hang out with encouraging people. Emotions, including negativity can be contagious. If you’re around them long enough, their negativity will rub off on you. However, positivity is also contagious! So, it’s essential to spend time with people that will uplift your mood.
Scientifically, our brains are wired for connection. Mirror neurons appear to let us “simulate” not just other people’s actions, but the intentions and emotions behind those actions. For example, you see a stranger stub her toe and you immediately flinch in sympathy, or you notice a friend wrinkle up his face in disgust while tasting some food and suddenly your own stomach recoils at the thought of eating. Same goes when you see someone smile.
Look for people who uplift you and make you feel good. When you’re around them, do you feel happy and positive? Or do they bring your mood down?
Find people with similar interests. If you have things in common, you’ll be more likely to have enjoyable conversations and experiences with them.
You can find new friends by going to events, seeking new hobbies, volunteering, and spending time in online meetup groups.
Be open-minded - don’t write someone off just because they seem different from you. Keep an open mind and embrace people’s differences.
4. Set boundaries.
We only have so much we can give to people. It is important to be sure you’re taking care of yourself and your needs are met. When we get wrapped up in what your friends’ and loved ones’ are going through, we can forget about ourselves. It’s not mean or selfish to take time to refill your cup. This is where boundaries are important.
When our friends, family and partners are down—whatever the situation is—it’s also critical that we take care of ourselves. It can be hard to take an emotional step back when people close to you are going through a funk, but once you’re sucked into that black hole of negativity, it can be even harder to fight your way out.
5. Practice being kind to yourself.
We’re our worst critics, and once we’re in a bad mood, we can’t help but continue to beat ourselves down. Try to set an intention every day to promote a healthier, kinder attitude towards yourself. Dr. Kristin Neff is a pioneer in self compassion. She has a mediation called the self compassion break. You can try it right now, with the video below.
6. Take care of your physical and mental health. Taking care of your physical and psychological health is crucial. If you’re not taking care of yourself, staying positive is hard. So, ensure that you’re eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.
And if you’re struggling with mental health issues, don’t be afraid to seek help from a professional.
Get enough sleep. Most adults need around eight hours per night. Disconnect from electronic screens at least an hour before bedtime. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’ll be more susceptible to stress and anxiety.
Move your body regularly. Exercise releases endorphins, which help boost your mood. Even a small amount of activity can make a big difference in your mental health. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Try walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, or other activities you may enjoy.
7. Find your passion. When we’re passionate about something, staying positive is much easier and you’re more likely to be engaged in life and see the world positively. So, find something you’re passionate about and pour yourself into it.
You’ll have a sense of purpose. Having a sense of purpose is linked to happiness and well-being. And what could be more purposeful than immersing yourself in your passion.
You’ll be more resilient. When you’re passionate about something, you’re more likely to bounce back from setbacks. Even when things are tough, you have a powerful reason to keep going.
8. Be grateful for the good things you have. It’s easy to take the good things in our lives for granted. But when we stop and think about our blessings, it’s hard to stay negative. So, take a moment each day to reflect on the good things in your life, no matter how small they may be.
You’ll appreciate life more.
You’ll be happier - gratitude and happiness go hand in hand. Studies have shown that grateful people are 25% more content than those who don’t practice gratitude.
Gratitude also makes you more resilient. When you’re grateful for the good things in your life, it’s easier to bounce back from difficult times.
If you find yourself surrounded by negativity, don’t despair! There are plenty of things you can do to stay positive. Remember to take things slowly, be grateful for the good in your life, and seek positive and like-minded people. If you follow these tips and keep an open mind, with a little effort, you’ll start feeling better in no time!
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