Detoxify! How To Be A Non-Toxic Person Around People

The world we live in today is filled with so much negativity that it’s no longer healthy for others to be in proximity to people who are toxic and overbearing. In fact, nobody likes being around a toxic person.

The question worth asking now is: are you one of them?

What Makes a Person Toxic?

By definition, something toxic brings harm to a person upon exposure to it. Some may be lethal, others can develop gradually but is still harmful in the long run.

When it comes to people, things aren’t any different.

If you’re not sure if you’re one, here are some of the tell-tale signs that someone is toxic:

• People avoid you.
• You are very critical of others.
• You have a great superiority complex.
• You are emotionally manipulative and controlling.
• You are prideful and never admit to a mistake.
• You blame others for your mistakes.
• You don’t feel happy for other people’s success.
• You’re extremely moody.

11 Things You Can Do to Avoid Becoming a Toxic Person

If you value the relationships that you have, here are a few ways that you can avoid becoming a toxic person.

1. Bring good vibes in by smiling a lot.
   

You don’t really need any reason to smile. You’d be surprised at the impact of turning your frown upside-down. A smile is warm and inviting and makes people want to be around you. Smile at strangers. Smile at the folks working on an artificial lawn installation. Smile when you see animals in the park. Smile when you order your coffee-to-go. Just smile.

2. Have a grateful and thankful heart.

Most people today fail at happiness because they have their hearts set on big things and unless they achieve them, they can’t find any reason to be thankful. However, if you train your mind to appreciate every little thing and find the beauty in even the smallest things, it’s easier to practice gratitude and radiate positivity.

3. Have nothing to do with negative conversations.

One of the worst traits of a toxic person is to always initiate and be involved with negative talk. Gossips. Stabbing people in the back. Always criticising. If you find yourself in the company of folks who like to talk about these things, stay away from them.

4. Take time to take care of yourself.

Sometimes the things that cause people to become toxic are burnout and exhaustion. While it’s good to work hard, don’t forget to slow down once in a while and tend to your needs, too. Let your mind and body recover from all the beating it regularly takes.

5. Practice kindness every day.

Kindness doesn’t just benefit the recipient but the giver as well. When you practice kindness, your brain raises serotonin levels that make you think you’re the one on the receiving end of the deed. That’s the beauty of kindness. It’s good for one’s health and it never goes out of style.

6. Learn to laugh at yourself and your mistakes.

Toxic people, as mentioned above, think of themselves more highly than they ought to and never acknowledge their mistakes. To counter this mentality, you just need to go the opposite route. Don’t take yourself too seriously and if you do make some blunders, laugh it off and learn from it so you can move on accordingly.

7. Think of the worst possible thing that can happen when something goes wrong.

When something goes wrong, resist the urge to react immediately. Instead, try picturing the worst-case scenario in your head, kind of like mentally blowing things out of proportion. Then you realise that things can be worse and count whatever mess it is you’re in as still a blessing. So even if something bad happens, you’re still practising gratitude.

8. Unfollow toxic social media accounts.

Perhaps one of the things that add fuel to the fire, so to speak, are toxic social media accounts that spew nothing but venom all over the place. Just like not taking part in any negative conversation, do away with all the negative social media accounts and unfollow them. Look for better accounts to follow — those that promote positivity and goodness and kindness.

Toxic people aren’t only harmful to those around them, but they pose an even greater danger to themselves. So if you are one, put an end to your toxicity now. Seek help so you can overcome this negative trait. Your loved ones will be more than willing to help you get through this challenge as long as you’re sincere in your desire to turn over a new leaf.