At some point or another we all come in contact with people who always have something negative to say or have a way of cutting you down that makes you feel less than what you are. When you think of your health, most often times people think of diet and exercise. But many times, those toxic people in your life can make you so uncomfortable that it can be harmful to your state of mind and your sense of self.  

So what do I mean when I say toxic people? These people:

• Criticize you all the time
• Say nothing but negative things
• Are self-centered
• Make other people feel guilty
• Constantly put others down
• Play the victim
• Easily get jealous
• Don’t seem to care about other people’s feelings
• Can become volatile at times

There are ways that you can go about removing or at least reducing the amount of time that you spend with toxic people. Here are some tips to avoid getting sucked into the negative people in your life.

Give Yourself Space From Negative People

With the world that we live in of having smartphones and social media with us at any point in time, we need to just limit the amount of interaction that we have with those negative nilly’s. If they send you a text or email, don’t respond right away. It is ok to wait a day or two.

If it is someone that you come in contact with a lot, keep your time with them short and avoid blaming them for not wanting to hang around them. Let them know that you are trying to bring as much positivity into your life as you can and don’t have room for any negative energy right now.

Don’t Feel Like You Need To Explain Yourself

So many times we try to over explain things. Really it tends to be more for our own good rather than the good of others. Keep your explanation simple as to why you are choosing not to spend as much time with them or why you no longer can allow them in your life. Only you can decide exactly how to approach this as every situation is different.

Keep It In A Public Place

If you feel uncomfortable talking with them privately or now that the situation will get out of control, make sure that you talk with that person in a public place, especially if they are known for making a scene or possibly becoming violent. When you are in a public place, people tend to be less apt to act out. If you end up where the situation is getting worse, it is easier to leave.

Choose Your Battles Wisely

Sometimes it can be easier just to simply walk away and ignore the toxic behavior. Engaging in trying to explain yourself can be sometimes more draining than it is worth. Save that energy to focus on bringing positivity into your life instead.

Surround Yourself With Positive People

When you start to spend time around positive people, you’ll start to find yourself seeing the world differently. To have positive experiences in your life, you need to be positive about you. Embrace relationships that empower, inspire and motivate you to be your best, and you be sure to do the same for others.

By removing toxic people from your life not only tells yourself, but send the message to others that you are valued. Once you figure out how toxic people tear down your basic sense of self-worth, it becomes harder and harder to allow them back into your life. YOU are worth fighting for!