How does navigating your professional or personal relationships feel? Does interacting with a colleague, loved one, or friend make you feel like you’re walking across a minefield? Does the other person have a short fuse, insult you, use you, or sometimes even question your worth?

Does the other person often dismiss your opinions, belittle your achievements, or make you second-guess your decisions? Does the dynamics of your relationship leave you questioning your self-worth and impact your overall well-being?

If yes, then you are in a toxic relationship and it’s probably taking more toll than you imagine.

Toxic relationships are draining, depressing, and restraining, and they harm your mental health. If you’ve ever had a bad day at work or bad interaction with a friend or loved one, it often spills into your personal space and sometimes plans for your day. It might affect the quality of your other relationships, sleep, mental and emotional state, or overall self-esteem.

Toxic relationships also affect your physical health, your weight, and can also reduce your immunity. According to The Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, toxic relationships also put you at risk of depression and increase your blood pressure which may lead to stroke. A survey also found that 65% of American employees would rather have a new boss than a raise, further highlighting the profound impact that toxic relationships can have on job satisfaction and overall health.

Not a single one of us actively seeks out toxic relationships because we know they are bad for us, yet every one of us has had to deal with someone toxic either at home, at work, or even at school. Knowing that your well-being is at stake, here are some suggestions that are simple yet can be effective ways of dealing with toxic people.

The first step is to recognize the problem and see the red flags. Sometimes it’s easy to pick up on the red flags – the lack of respect, the emotional manipulations, the verbal abuses, the ugly blame games – looking at the person’s behavior and how you feel when they act the way they do to you. Other times, it’s not easy to see the flags or we try to push them aside.  In these cases, we need others to point them out to us. Without a doubt, acknowledging you are in a toxic relationship marks the beginning of its end.

The next thing is to set healthy boundaries. Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining your emotional and mental well-being. Setting a healthy boundary means defining what you are comfortable with and unacceptable in your relationships, allowing you to protect your space and energy. Setting healthy boundaries reinforces the idea that, when necessary, you should walk away and focus on what is best for you. Difficult most times? Yes. But if need be, do it. You have just one life to live, don’t let the guilt of separation force you into living your life miserably.

The final step is when you are out of that toxic relationship, to create positive relationships by carefully building into positive and healthy connections with others. Remember that self-care and self-love are essential foundations for fostering positive relationships. So take the time to engage in activities that uplift you, whether that’s enjoying a hobby or setting aside moments for relaxation. When you prioritize your well-being, you become better equipped to create and maintain healthy bonds with others.

Now is the time for healthier relationships that you can invest in. Doing this will lay big dividends toward a happy and less stressful life

Yetunde Akinlaja

Yetunde is smart, kind, and has a lovable personality. A constant learner with an impressive work ethic and terrific creative skills. She is devoted to personal and spiritual growth and she cherishes the company of people, books, and nature.