Producer: Mehak Pal Editor: Sujata Singh

7 Ways To Stay Positive Around Negative People

Staying in proximity to negative people can take a toll on your mental health. Here are some of the ways to stay positive around negative people.

Maintain clear boundaries

Make sure to be clear while setting your boundaries regarding the amount of time you spend together or the subjects you discuss.

Practice empathy

Practicing empathy and trying to understand the root cause of someone’s negativity can make it easier to cope with him/her.

Reduce exposure

If someone close to you is persistently negative, be mindful of how you share your time and energy with someone.

Practice stress-releasing activities

Try to practice stress-releasing activities like mindfulness and deep breathing to get yourself centered and calm.

Be solution-focused

If you think the ongoing conversation with any person is starting to spiral into complaints and problems, try to give a fresh take to that person on the very same situations.

Be an active listener

When someone is voicing out his/her feelings, be an active listener. Being empathetic allows you to be there without getting drawn into their negativity. 

Do not judge

When someone around us is negative, we easily label that person as “negative.” Try to be understanding by trying to view their issues and negativity as a reflection of their experiences and struggles.