Are you a victim of toxic positivity? Are you constantly gaslighted by people around you when you share your problems where they shame you for being vulnerable? Or perhaps, you are the one who is unknowingly dismissing the genuine problems that your loved ones are sharing with you. 

Positive statements are mostly well-intentioned and are often offered as words of support and encouragement. However, like with everything else, the excessive practice of a certain philosophy can be detrimental. It can deny people who really need the emotional support to cope with what they are going through. 

Read our blog on toxic positivity here:

Top Signs You May Be A Culprit/Victim of Toxic Positivity

• Shaming other people when they don’t have a positive attitude 
• Feeling inadequate for not being able to see the bright side of a situation
• Brushing off the feelings of others by saying forced platitudes of positivity
• Hiding your real feelings up by putting up ‘happy’ posts on social media
• Disguising your emotions and trying to be stoic about a negative situation
• Not acknowledging other people’s emotions because you are uncomfortable
• Not comfortable with feeling painful emotions or crying or reaching out to others for support

Here’s How You Can Strike A Balance & Focus on Your Emotional Wellbeing:

1. Feel your feelings: If you are uncomfortable with feeling negative emotions, try acknowledging them as a start. Negative emotions can guide you to make changes that may be much needed in your life.
2. Having empathy: When a friend or family member talks to you about their difficulties or emotions, try to put yourself in their shoes. Listen to what they have to say without giving advice or shutting them down.
3. It’s ok to have conflicting feelings: Sometimes, you may feel sadness and yet, relief (a much-needed break-up). Or happiness and yet a little anxiety (if you are starting a new job). Don’t beat yourself up for not understanding your feelings or having a yo-yo moment. It’s all part of life.
4. Learn to manage your emotions in a healthy way: Therapy or holistic healing techniques like chakra balancing or hypnotherapy can help you get in touch with your feelings if you have suppressed them for a long time. They can help you understand the reason you have inexplicable body aches, migraines, or emotional outbursts. Learning how to manage your feelings is an effective way of striking an emotional balance.

Remember – ups and downs, happiness and sadness, envy and pride, frustration, and anxiety, are all part of life. Anything leaning towards just one side of the emotional balance, negative or positive, can cause an imbalance of the yin & yang inside you.