Avoid Negative Energy

Negative energy comes from some of the other people we spend time with. We all know people around whom we just feel tired. It also comes from our own habits. Here are some of the sources of negativity and what you can do about them.

People with Negative Energy

Maybe you have a friend who needs to challenge everything you say. Or one who has to point out the negative aspects of everything. Then there are those people who are just plain depressed and seem to want the world to join them.

What can you do about the negative energy emanating from these people? First of all, recognize that it isn't always just that person. Often it is the way you interact with that person. A critical person can be a very useful person to have around if critical analysis is what you need at that moment. On the other hand, such a person may drain your energy if you waste your time defending yourself from their petty and unnecessary comments. Ignore them or ask them to stop!

Fortunately, there are other ways to change the negative energy between you and another. One way is to talk about something the two of you have a common interest in. This often dissolves the negativity, unless it is a very depressing topic. Another simple technique is to ask the person for some good news. Push the person to tell you about anything that is going well in his or her life. It is hard to maintain a negative feeling when talking about something good. Try this one, it really does work most of the time.

If the above techniques don't work, or if the person is just always depressing to be around, the solution is simple, but not necessarily easy - spend less time with that person. Of course you have to spend time with unpleasant people. They may even be people you love. You have no obligation to take part in their negative thinking, though, and you can reduce your exposure.

Our Own Negative Energy

We all produce our own share of negative energy too, and it comes from primarily one place - our thoughts. Change your thinking, change your life. Don't believe this? Stop right now and start to imagine all the things you need to do and all the things that could go wrong in your future, and see if you aren't feeling more stressed. The first lesson here, then, is obvious: Drop your negative thinking.

This is a simple, but not always an easy solution. You can start, though, by watching your mind. When does it indulge in negativity? What triggers it? What can you then change to trigger it less? Don't ignore problems that you need to pay attention to, but how often do you do the same five minutes of thinking about a problem fifty times over? Do what you need to do and drop it!

Of course, the flip side of negative thoughts is positive ones. This doesn't mean being overly optimistic. It can simply be an ongoing recognition of all the good things in your life. When you are continually thinking about the advantages you have, the good things about your character, and the wonderful things you have seen and are seeing, you can't feel very negative.

Do what you have to. If it is difficult for you to remember to think positively, write a list of the things you are grateful for. Put it in your pocket and pull it out to read it from time to time. Experiment with affirmations. Watch for things that are going right in your life and pay attention to those. Both positive and negative energy come from where you focus your mind. Choose better places!