Jolyn’s ‘Positivity In, Negativity Out’ strategy
It is EASY to find negative things to focus on in our world. Sometimes it’s so easy, it’s actually difficult to avoid. But the importance of eliminating as much negativity as possible is more important than you may realize.
Multiple studies have been done showing the damaging consequences of negativity on the mind and body. According to a study performed at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London, negative thinking over a prolonged period of time (such as during a long criminal defense case) can have a harmful effect on the brain's capacity to think, reason and form memories and may even lead to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease!(1) Another study, this one published in the American Academy of Neurology’s online publication, people with high levels of cynical distrust may be more likely to develop dementia.(2)
Many of these negative outcomes are made worse if you or a loved-one is facing serious criminal charges, because being clear-minded, focused, and in control of your emotions is so critical right now. Your behaviors and ability to make the right decisions now may affect the rest of your life, and the lives of your loved ones. So…
Starting today, your focus needs to be only allowing positive things (information, entertainment, people) into your personal space.
Negativity Out
For most of us, the heftiest dose of negativity comes in the form of social media. This is the obvious first step of elimination. Remember, this doesn’t have to be forever. I’m not asking you to delete your accounts. Just deactivate them. Make a quick announcement on each platform if you must, then delete the aps from your phone. While you’re in ap deletion mode, delete any news aps you have, too, since news is a close second in the negativity in game.
Next, (and this may be a bit harder), take a look at the people you spend time with. Are there people in your life who always seem to complain, bring negativity, or actively engage in confrontation? It’s time to take a step back from those relationships. Simply let the negative person know that you’re taking some time to yourself, that you’ll reach out when you can, but for now, you need some space. They may ask for more of an explanation, but you don’t owe them more than this. If they push, it’s more confirmation that you’re making the right decision in creating distance. Evaluate each of your relationships and act accordingly – immediately. Don’t let this step go. It’s important.
Positivity In
Now work on actively seeking out positive information, entertainment and people to invest your time and energy in. Here are a few examples of places you can look for positivity, I’m sure you can come up with more.
Television & movies (they’re out there, I promise). What movies can you think of that make you laugh, smile, leave you uplifted?
Fun activities – hiking, get a massage or have a spa day
Create something or fix something. Creativity is amazingly positive!
Learn something new.
Take care of your environment (paint a room in your house, or redesign it in some way).
Join an interest group
Positive people – who is the most annoyingly positive person you know? Invite them out for coffee, and immerse yourself in that annoying positivity!
What to do when you encounter negativity in any form
This may be a new experience for you, focusing on positivity may really not be natural. So you need to protect this new habit at all cost. Here are 3 quick steps to take when you encounter negativity.
Acknowledge that this is negativity.
Quietly push it away, or excuse yourself. No need to make a huge deal about it, just joyfully eliminate it.
Purposely turn to something positive to replace the negativity
Don’t forget to smile!
End Notes
1: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-11-negative-thoughts-alzheimer-disease.html
2: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140528163739.htm