Who doesn’t want to avoid despair and hopelessness? We all want to skip to the good part and everything happy, right? It’s natural to want to feel optimistic when faced with despair and negativity. But neither good nor negative things happen to us all the time.
I understand why we prefer to use the word "positivity" when everything else around us is collapsing. I also want to focus on the positive instead of the negative. But, does it always work in our favor? Or does it leave behind toxic impacts? Can positivity become toxic?
It can be counterproductive to ignore the negative aspects of one's thoughts and feelings and focus only on the positive aspects. If only temporarily, it may bring us serenity, yet toxic positivity can ultimately make us feel even more lost.
If you're tired of toxic positivity ruining your life, here i'll show you 5 simple ways to stop it:
What is Toxic Positivity?
Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how bad things are, you should always stay positive. It's the idea that you should always put on a happy face and pretend that everything is okay, even when it's not.
Toxic positivity can be harmful because it can invalidate your feelings and make you feel like you're not allowed to be sad, angry, or frustrated.
It can also make you feel like you're the only one who's struggling, and that everyone else has their life together.
1. Just Be Who You Are
Facing your feelings and being vulnerable can be scary, but this is the best move you can do to strengthen your bond with yourself.
Being a people pleaser may win you friends for a short period of time but it somewhere makes you more aggressive and results in emotional outbursts.
The best option is to open yourself up to a close friend or an expert. You can share your feelings with a counselor or connect with us by dropping a message at the comment below!
Related Post: 5 Unbelievable Benefits of Positive Thinking!
2. Don't Compare Yourself to Others.
Another way to stop toxic positivity from ruining your life is to stop comparing yourself to others. It's easy to get caught up in the comparison game, especially when we're constantly bombarded with images of people who seem to have it all together.
But the truth is, no one's life is perfect. Everyone has their own struggles and challenges. When you compare yourself to others, you're setting yourself up for disappointment.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own journey. Be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. And don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
3. Allow Yourself to Feel Your Emotions
Allow yourself to feel your emotions, both positive and negative. This doesn't mean that you have to dwell on your negative emotions, but it does mean that you shouldn't try to ignore them or pretend that they don't exist.
When you allow yourself to feel your emotions, you're able to process them and move on from them in a healthy way.
If you try to suppress your emotions, they'll eventually come out in unhealthy ways, such as through anger, anxiety, or depression.
4. Be Realistic About Your Expectations
Toxic positivity often involves having unrealistic expectations about life. People who subscribe to this type of thinking believe that everything should always be good and that bad things never happen.
But the reality is, life is full of ups and downs. There will be good times and bad times. And that's okay.
If you set unrealistic expectations for yourself, you're setting yourself up for failure. When things don't go your way, you'll be more likely to feel disappointed, frustrated, and angry.
Instead of setting unrealistic expectations, be realistic about what you can and can't control. And don't be afraid to adjust your expectations as needed.
5. Use A Gratitude Journal
Time spent in journaling is time well spent with yourself and your own emotions. You often navigate yourself to the trickiest feelings hidden deep within.
Journaling is indeed one of the best ways to avoid toxic positivity and find out what you need at the moment.
This self-therapeutic approach can tell you how you feel, and what you want and gives you a chance for self-reflection.
I have a tons of helpful success habits posts here:
5 Tips on How to Prioritize Tasks That Will Help You Reach Your Goals
These 5 Good Habits Will Revolutionize Your Life!
How to Set Goals for Success: The Proven Formula!
Toxic positivity can be harmful, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are ways to stop it from ruining your life.
By following the tips in this article, you can learn to manage your emotions, set boundaries, and focus on the positive.
