Help! I’m Surrounded by all this Negativity!
Nowadays we often find ourselves surrounded by anger and negativity. If we watch TV, we see people yelling at each other, our social media is often fueled with anger and critical commentary and name calling. So what does this mean in our lives?
For one thing, anger and negativity fuel anger and negative feelings within ourselves. Research indicates that when people listen to more angry hateful speeches and conversation, they experience feelings of anger and hatefulness within. Whether we want to or not, we take in these emotions to which we are exposed.
If you watch television you get a large helping of negativity – the 24 hour news cycle, reality TV. Some of our favorite dramas are laced with anger and people acting badly towards each other. You may not immediately recognize the impact, but if you are prone to depression, anger and anxiety, too much time spent watching these types of shows can have a detrimental effect on your well-being.
What is the solution?
- Limit exposure. It’s okay to watch the news and reality TV. Just don’t overdo it. For a good laugh, consider watching a comedy (movie or sitcom) to take a break from all the negativity.
- Surround yourself with positive people. You don’t have to find anyone perfect, just someone who smiles and tries to see the bright side. People like that exist all over. One trick to finding them? Smile more. Positive people respond to others who smile. Walking around with a frown or sad expression pushes people away.
- Consider yourself “proactive”. Being proactive means you make effort to better yourself or your situation. It doesn’t matter whether your efforts make a big difference, the act of trying helps to increase positive feelings in many. Start small – take a few steps, learn to meditate or practice mindfulness, read a book on self-improvement. All of these activities offer people a sense of moving in the right direction, and that will create more positive feelings.
- Make a list of positive things in your life. Read it aloud to yourself multiple times a day.
Remember: Most of life is a mixed bag (good things happen and bad things happen). We may not have control over what occurs, but we do have choices of what we hold nearest and dearest to us. Let those always be the most wonderful and positive of things.
Still struggling with positive thinking? Call the professionals at Ketamine Wellness Centers. Treatments can be brain changing and life changing!
Dr. Ellen Diamond is the Clinical Psychologist for Ketamine Wellness Centers
