A complaining relative, a tense office, the 24-hour news cycle: negativity seeps in from all sides. Yoga teacher Nadine Lafleur shares how to stop absorbing it.
When you’re surrounded by negativity, stepping back isn’t a luxury, says Nadine Lafleur, yoga instructor and founder of Bali Bliss Retreats. Making space for yourself can calm your nervous system, sharpen your focus and help you let go of emotional baggage you didn’t know you were carrying.
Her four steps:
1. Work out what’s draining you
Some sources are obvious. Others creep up on you, such as a family member who’s always complaining or news running in the background all day. Take stock of what leaves you feeling flat.
2. Don’t take other people’s moods personally
If a colleague gives you a sharp look, your inner critic might ask what you did wrong. More likely, they’re tired or had a fight at home last night and didn’t even notice. Their bad day isn’t yours to carry.
3. Set gentle boundaries
You can’t always tell a negative relative to stop talking. But you can steer the conversation somewhere more positive. With the news, check in briefly rather than scrolling all day. Staying informed doesn’t mean carrying every global crisis.
4. Make time to recharge every day
It doesn’t need to be big. Try headphones and a cup of herbal tea, a favourite film or a walk outside. If you let negativity in unfiltered, Lafleur says, you’ll absorb it. Taking regular breaks has a ripple effect across your whole life.
If a relationship goes beyond draining and feels controlling or unsafe, call 1800RESPECT for confidential support.
Nadine Lafleur is a yoga instructor and the founder of Bali Bliss Retreats.
