Negative energy is like a poison that slowly but consistently steals your joy. If you’re surrounded by negative people at work or at home, it’s easy to absorb their energy without even noticing. Sometimes, you’re so immersed in your emotions that it’s hard to truly understand them. In times like this, look our for these 5 signs to get your life back on track. (Update Sep 7, 2023)
1. You Feel Guilty and Anxious
Do you lay in bed for long periods of time and think of your regrets? Do you get a rush of panic when you’re alone with your thoughts?
It may be hard to recognize this sign during the day, as you’re likely too busy with other thoughts to search deep within yourself and pull up the things you’ve absorbed subconsciously.
The most obvious sign of negativity overload is stress, fear, and difficulty sleeping. You may feel you heart beat faster, your muscles tighten, and breath becomes more shallow and quick as you try to catch some zzzs.
The easiest way to get out of this headspace is to take long deep breaths through one nostril and exhale through the other. Focus solely on your breath and let your emotions wash over you. Keep breathing. Soon enough, you’ll be lulled into a deep, restful sleep.
2. You No Longer Invest in Your Hobbies
Negative thoughts take all your energy away. They can make you feel emotionally exhausted and cause you to lose the desire to do all the things you love. Just surviving from one day to the next can seem daunting and exhausting.
It’s important to break this cycle one step at a time. Start by doing one small thing you enjoy every day. It may be going for a walk after dinner, drinking your coffee outside before work, or even strolling through a park on your way home.
Get out of your house and spend time in nature to gather your thoughts and let go of everything that doesn’t serve you. Focus on the small things you can do to improve your mood and get you back on track. It may seem insignificant at first, but these little acts of self-love will bring you closer to your authentic self and release you from your funk.
3. Your Weight Fluctuates
Cravings, changes in appetite, and weight gain are tell-all signs of emotional unrest. You may think that everything is fine, but your heart and mind could be in a different place altogether.
When you’re feeling unmotivated, take the time to prepare yourself a well-balanced meal. It’s also a good idea to get your body moving and collect your thoughts through yoga and meditation. The more you take care of your body, the more your mind will be at peace.
4. You are Cranky and Irritable
When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to have a short fuse and very little patience. If you’re normally calm and collected but you’re easily irritated as of late, it’s a good idea to do a bit of soul-searching.
Get away from whatever is bothering you and spend a bit of time by yourself. It might be worth investing in a journal or reaching out to a psychologist to get a bit of perspective and a bit of help.
5. You Are Being Overly Judgmental
People are a mirror of ourselves. If you find yourself being overly critical or judgemental of others, it may be a good idea to take a good hard look at yourself.
What characteristics in others irritate you? You might be shifting blame for your unhappiness onto others. Remember that you are the only person responsible for your own happiness. Pick yourself up and let go of the negative emotions you’re clinging onto.
To get a little boost of happiness every day, keep a collection of your favourite quotes on your phone or around your home to remind you that there is always happiness to be found after a big challenge.