Toxic emotions are all those emotions that generate such discomfort, apathy, and displeasure that they cause our brain to activate neurotransmitters that release toxicity into the body, and this, in turn, makes us feel very unpleasant.  Toxic attitudes can not only be contagious from someone else, but we, without realizing it, are the ones who poison our own lives and the lives of those around us.

It's normal to feel anger, sadness, disappointment, fear, etc., at certain times in life, but emotions become toxic due to three factors: 1. The negativity that the emotion generates. 2. The intensity of the emotion. 3. The duration of the feeling.

Our emotions are there to be felt, but not to dominate us and blind our reason.

For example, "Toxic Anger": this type of anger can be very aggressive and cause exaggerated reactions. A helpful strategy is to think of it this way: focusing your attention on people creates tension, while focusing it on the solution creates expansion. Try to redirect your emotions toward the solution.

Another example is "Toxic Anxiety": this is the emotion that arises in our minds when we visualize the future negatively without any explanation; it's an irrational fear. One helpful strategy is to adopt patterns that allow us to enjoy the process, focusing on the here and now. Practicing breathing exercises will oxygenate our brain and lower our alert levels.

Did you know that "Chronic Dissatisfaction" is also a toxic emotion? It's one of those emotions that makes you uncomfortable with the situation, but not so much that you actually do something to change it. A strategy that can be very useful is to take charge and do something to resolve what's bothering you. And when negative feelings overwhelm you, remember that they're there to sabotage your successes, so don't give them free rein.

 Another toxic emotion is complaining. Complaining about everything, the complainer seeks to turn the atmosphere negative, and it's a highly contagious emotion. A good strategy to combat complaining is not to try to convince complainers to see the bright side, because that will only make them complain even more. Don't give them solutions, and don't ask them to stop complaining; instead, try to empathize with them. What they're really asking for is to be heard. Every time someone complains, it's because they don't know how to ask for what they need or want. Show empathy, but distance yourself quickly so you don't catch it.

And what about envy? It's an emotion where you unconsciously declare yourself inferior. The worst thing you can do is compare yourself to others. So, the best strategy you can adopt when faced with envy is to be grateful and recognize the blessings you do have; it's the best way to eradicate envy. Expressing genuine admiration also eradicates envy.

Finally, let's talk about "Gossip": it takes a few minutes to spread a rumor, but once it's said, the damage done to that person can never be fully undone. The best strategy against gossip is not to believe people who talk about others when they are not present, do not spread or contribute to the rumor, intelligent people talk about ideas, ordinary people talk about things and mediocre people talk about other people.

Listen to your emotions, don't ignore them, and try to express them through the appropriate channels; otherwise, it will hurt you.

Until next time!

Wendy Figueroa

detailswithlovewf@gmail.com