Friday, January 16th, 2009 : Health & Fitness, Just me, Parenting

 
Being around pessimistic people that are always stressed is totally contagious and even worse – it’s a health risk! It can be  just as bad for you as breathing in secondhand smoke.

When you’re constantly listening to friends and co-workers complain about how under pressure they are, it starts to affect you because all you can do is empathize – you’re powerless to change the situation (well… to a degree)

If you notice that your heart rate goes up, you get a headache, or you become irritable after someone vents to you, take action – don’t be a sounding board!  Especially if it’s the same person day in and day out, coming to you with the same complaints and problems (you know, the ones they aren’t doing anything about) except giving you an ear full, as if you were a professional shrink.

Here’s a suggestion, set boundaries by telling him or her that, while you would love to be supportive, you don’t think you can be helpful with this specific situation. It may not be what they want to hear, but hey…let’s face it, it will free your mind and allow you to preserve your own happiness.

Here’s to you and focusing on the positive things in life that make you happy!