Both internal and external negativity can have a profound effect on your mental health. Depression, anger, stress, anxiety and social withdrawal are all common symptoms of dealing with negativity on a daily basis, according to Psychology Today. What this means is that constant exposure to a bad attitude, yours or someone else’s, can have a detrimental effect on your mood and overall mental health. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do about it.
Cultivate a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset can go a long way in combating the negativity in your life. It can make you feel powerful and happy even while others are trying to bring you down. But a positive mindset doesn’t automatically happen; you can’t wish it into existence. You have to cultivate it.
To promote a positive mindset, pay attention to your internal dialogue. When you notice yourself thinking negatively, make a conscious effort to transform your thoughts into positive ones. Also, take strides to surround yourself with positivity. Happy, positive friends and positive media are great ways to lift your spirits.
Remove Yourself from the Situation
Whenever you feel as if you’re being overwhelmed by negativity, take a break. Remove yourself from the situation. Engage in an activity you find calm and peaceful, such as meditating, reading or exercising. When you feel positive and strong enough to deal with the situation or bad attitude that brought you down, do so. But not before you’re ready.
Use Dialectical Behavior Techniques
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It relies on behavioral skills including mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotion regulation. It can be highly effective for dealing with poor attitudes and negativity.
DBT/CBT techniques that are particularly effective include reality acceptance, cultivating nonjudgmental thought patterns, and grounding. Reality acceptance helps you with issues that are out of your control. Nonjudgmental thought patterns help you view problems rationally without blowing them out of proportion. Grounding allows you to bring your mind into the present, pause, identify your emotions and make better, healthier decisions. So all good stuff that really can help.
You don’t have to let a bad attitude ruin your day, your week or your life. You can transform a bad attitude into a positive one. Give these skills a try for yourself and teach yourself how to remain positive even in the face of negativity.
