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How to Observe Situations Without Absorbing Toxic Energy
When you are around negative people, it’s easy to absorb their toxic energy. However, if you become aware of this, you can create boundaries to protect yourself from absorbing their negativity and begin healing the situation.
Focus on yourself.
If you have difficulty staying calm in toxic situations, it can help you focus on yourself and your needs for a moment. Try to ask yourself what you need and want from the case rather than focusing on other people’s needs or emotions.
Also, try to avoid projecting onto people what they should be doing or feeling. For example, you might think someone is being mean to you when they’re exhausted from work and trying not to snap at their kid during dinner (and maybe also because they hate being asked how their day was). The point is that this kind of projection isn’t beneficial — it’s more likely to make things worse than better if you’re not careful about it.
Instead, try asking yourself what actions would be helpful right now. What steps can I take toward resolving this situation? Then, talk with the person involved in the problem; reach out instead of letting anger fester inside until it becomes too much for either of us individually — let alone both together!
