Integritus Prime

As a follow-up on our previous posts on traits of negative people, and factors surrounding negativity, we look at ways in which persons can address their own negativity in this post. Sometimes, people do not realize how negative they are until someone points it out to them. A good friend or a family member may do that despite the risk of backlash.

Once negative people realize or are made aware of their negativity, then there are healthy ways they can deal with the situation before it leads to more dire consequences like depression. If dealing alone with your negativity is difficult, then help could be sought from a counselor, adviser, coach or therapist. Often, negative people turn to unhealthy or destructive behaviors as ways of coping, such as stress eating, self-harm, resorting to drugs or alcohol and/or other risky behaviors.

Four healthy ways to deal with negativity are:

1.     Accept and understand your emotions. First, acknowledge that there is problem, then find a solution. Once a problem is identified, accept it as a challenge, then make necessary changes for your own mental health and safety. It is okay to ask for support from a trained counselor or coach.

2.     Change what you can to minimize stresses and triggers. For example, if you are overworked at work, take steps to reduce the workload, ask for help or time out to recharge.

3.     Find a healthy outlet such as meditation, exercise, or spending time in nature e.g. the ocean or forest or mountains. You can also try journaling daily to focus on what you are grateful for or all the positive things that happened that day.

4.     Practice self–compassion and self–nourishment. Tell yourself that you are doing the best you can; focus on tending to your physical and emotional needs. A good tactic is that you don’t let your inner critic say anything to you that you won’t say to a loved one.

Share with us your experience in dealing with negative thoughts, so we can all learn together.