Healthy Hundred

A few years ago, Petra noticed a shift in her mood every time she spent time with her friend Steph. What used to be fun, light-hearted catch-ups had become draining. During their chats, Steph always seemed to try to be one up on Petra and to talk her down. After each meeting, Petra felt emotionally exhausted. Eventually, she realised this relationship was taking a toll on her well-being. It was time to make a change.

Petra’s experience is common. Relationships play a huge role in our mental and emotional health. While it’s natural to support friends through tough times, consistently negative and toxic influences drain you, cloud your positivity, and affect your mindset. The people around you shape your emotional landscape, and you want that to be a positive environment.

This is why being intentional about the people you keep close is important. Surround yourself with those who inspire, uplift, and support your well-being, people who want to see you grow and thrive and people you want to grow and thrive. Distance yourself from relationships that feel one-sided, negative or draining.

So, take stock of the people in your life. Are they lifting you up or pulling you down? If certain relationships consistently leave you feeling drained, snip snip and cut them out! Prioritise time with those who bring joy, positivity, and encouragement. In the long run, this will create less stress, more growth, more happiness and your better self will be shine.