There is no reason that negativity is a drain. Most people will surely avoid negative people if as much as possible and will reduce their contact with them to an absolute minimum. But it can also be a downward spiral. So what would do if you’re suffering from an excess of negativity that’s maybe even leading you into depression?

1. Be grateful more often Gratitude is a powerful weapon against negativity. It’s pretty much it’s opposite and once you learn to be grateful more often then you’ll find that your negativity struggles to cope with your new found gratitude. At first, just say “thank you” more often. Ideally out loud but at least in your head. And if find necessary things to be grateful for – the air you’re breathing, the clothes you’re wearing, anything! If possible, keep a gratitude journal and write down at least three things that have happened during the day that you’re grateful for. This will help put your mind in the right place to sleep.

2. Get more exercise Exercise releases endorphin into your body. These are a natural “feel good” mechanism that acts faster, better and safer than any drug (prescription or otherwise), and they are generated when you exercise. Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or pool or even jogging. It can be as simple as leaving the car at home for short journeys or parking a bit further away from the store entrance. Or you could deliberately go out for a walk! That works nicely so long as the weather isn’t too inclement.

3. Eat healthily Comfort food is often anything but comforting. It may be something you eat that gives you a quick sugar high, but that’s soon followed by the negative side of eating food that’s not exactly healthy. Cut down on excess sugar. Gradually cut down on the caffeine (it’s not a good idea to remove caffeine from your diet in one swoop). Make slightly healthier choices when you eat – even if that means reading the labels. A good rule is not to eat things where you don’t understand several of the ingredients and wouldn’t add them if you were making the recipe at home. So if you don’t keep high fructose corn syrup, or it’s artificial partner aspartame in your kitchen, don’t buy products with them in.

4. Hypnotize yourself Negativity isn’t something you’ve chosen to do. It’s something your subconscious mind has developed as a protection mechanism for you. And – just as you can’t tell your nails to stop growing – it’s not easy to remove negativity or depression at a conscious level. Hypnosis works by working with your subconscious mind to subtly change your behavior and reduce the negativity in your life. It’s easy – all you do is listen to a hypnosis recording (easier and more flexible than visiting a hypnotist) and let it work its magic.