Some things that help keep negativity at bay:
- Notice when you’re spiralling. Naming the pattern breaks it.
- Set boundaries with people who consistently drain you.
- Limit social media. Curate your feeds so they’re not just outrage and comparison.
- Take walks. Physical movement changes mental state.
- Keep a gratitude list. Three things a day is enough.
- Learn to say no without over-explaining.
- Don’t participate in gossip. Change the subject or leave the room.
- Forgive yourself for mistakes. You’ll make more of them.
- Get enough sleep. Everything feels worse when you’re tired.
- Do one thing well each day instead of doing ten things poorly.
- Journal when your head is noisy. Getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper helps.
- Surround yourself with people who challenge you constructively, not ones who just agree with everything.
- Accept that some things are out of your control. Focus on what you can influence.
- Take breaks. Regular ones, not just when you’re burning out.
- Declutter your workspace. Physical mess feeds mental mess.