How To Ignore Toxic People And Stay Unaffected By Them

Envato Elements

Some people’s energy just sucks the life out of you.

You can’t even be in the same room without feeling their negativity weighing you down. It’s a total drag, and it can seriously mess with your own vibe. However, you don’t have to let them get to you. There are completely effective ways to ignore those energy vampires and protect your own peace of mind. Here’s the lowdown on how to stay unaffected by those who try to bring you down:

1. Master the art of the mental block.

Think of it like building an invisible force field around yourself. When you sense negativity coming your way, just picture that shield deflecting it right back to where it came from. Don’t engage, don’t react, just let it bounce right off. It might sound cheesy, but it seriously works. The less you let their negativity in, the less power it has over you.

2. Focus on your own fabulousness.

Instead of dwelling on the negative energy around you, shift your attention to all the awesome things in your life. Think about your goals, your passions, and your friends and family who lift you up. Remind yourself of all the reasons you’re awesome and why you deserve to be happy. Trust me, focusing on the positive will make it way harder for the negativity to stick.

3. Surround yourself with your tribe.

You know those friends who always make you laugh and feel good about yourself? Those are your people. Spend as much time with them as possible. Their positive vibes will be contagious and help you drown out any negativity that might be lurking around. It’s like having a personal cheerleading squad to keep you feeling uplifted and supported.

4. Limit your exposure to the energy vampires.

If you can, try to keep your contact with people who bring you down to a minimum. It might mean skipping that after-work happy hour or scrolling past their posts on social media. You don’t have to cut them out of your life completely, but limiting your exposure to their negativity will definitely help protect your own energy.

5. Don’t take it personally, even if it feels personal.

Remember, people’s negativity is usually a reflection of their own issues, not yours. It’s not about you, it’s about them. So, don’t let their words or actions get under your skin. Try to see it as a reflection of their own unhappiness, and don’t take it as a personal attack. It’s way easier to brush it off when you realise it’s not about you at all.

6. Practice the art of selective hearing.

Sometimes, you just have to tune them out. When they start spewing their negativity, just let their words go in one ear and out the other. Don’t engage in the conversation, don’t try to argue or reason with them. Just smile, nod, and let it all wash over you. It’s like listening to a boring podcast – you can just zone out and let it fade into the background.

7. Find your zen zone.

Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or just taking a long walk in nature, find something that helps you relax and de-stress. The calmer and more centred you are, the less likely you are to be affected by negativity. It’s like building a fortress of peace within yourself, where negativity can’t penetrate. So, take some time for yourself to recharge and find your inner zen.

8. Kill them with kindness, then walk away.

Sometimes, the best way to deal with negative people is to be extra nice to them. It might sound counterintuitive, but it can actually throw them off balance and make them question their own behaviour. Plus, it’ll make you feel good about yourself. Just remember, kindness doesn’t mean you have to engage in their drama. Be polite, but then move on and don’t look back.

9. Set clear boundaries and stick to them.

Negative people often try to push your buttons and cross your boundaries. Don’t let them. Establish clear boundaries and communicate them assertively. Whether it’s saying no to their requests, limiting your interactions, or simply walking away from a toxic conversation, stick to your guns. Remember, you have the right to protect your own peace of mind.

10. Don’t get sucked into their drama.

Negative people love to create drama and chaos. They thrive on conflict and attention. Don’t get sucked into their vortex of negativity. Refuse to engage in gossip, arguments, or any other form of drama. Stay calm, stay neutral, and don’t feed the trolls. The less you react, the less power they have over you.

11. Practice self-care like it’s your religion.

Taking care of yourself is essential when dealing with negative people. Make time for activities that nourish your soul and recharge your batteries. Whether it’s indulging in a bubble bath, going for a run, or spending time with loved ones, prioritise self-care. The stronger and more resilient you are, the less likely you are to be affected by negativity.

12. Remember, you can’t control them, but you can control your reaction.

You can’t change other people, but you can change how you react to them. Don’t let their negativity dictate your emotions. Choose to focus on the positive, choose to be kind to yourself, and choose to walk away when necessary. Remember, you have the power to create your own happiness, regardless of what others do or say.

13. Forgive them, even if they don’t deserve it.

Holding on to anger and resentment towards negative people only hurts you. Forgive them for their negativity, not because they deserve it, but because you deserve peace of mind. Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning their behaviour, it simply means letting go of the negative emotions they’ve triggered in you. It’s a powerful act of self-love that can free you from their influence.

14. Move on and create a positive life.

Don’t let negative people hold you back from living your best life. Surround yourself with positive influences, pursue your passions, and create a life that makes you happy. The more you focus on your own growth and happiness, the less space there will be for negativity in your life. Remember, you are the author of your own story, and you have the power to make it a positive and fulfilling one.