Happiness… Though it may seem like a temporary emotion, when experienced, it can take away all worry, sadness, and fear. That’s why most are always in pursuit of it. While it is not to be attached to people or things, it is those very people and things that help to create experiences that contribute to your happiness. Unfortunately, not all people or all things are good for you – no matter how they sometimes make you feel. When you realize signs of toxicity, getting rid of the source of the problem is the only way to improve your happiness.
Drugs, Cigarettes, Alcohol (in Excess)
Let’s start with the obvious. Drugs, cigarettes, the excessive use of alcohol, and other vices are toxic to your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re abusing prescription medication, alcohol, or using illicit drugs like meth, it can and will impact your entire life. The temporary high, or period of happiness you feel will be what you chase, causing you to use more and more resulting in dependency and addiction.
It can also hurt your loved ones. Some vices can be equally harmful to their bodies and emotional health. Now you’re probably thinking, “I know cigarette smoke can be harmful, but, can you get contact high from meth?” The answer is yes. Any substance that is released into the air can be toxic for those you love, this could result in their dependency and addiction to the drug as well.
Removing cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol from your life may prove difficult to do on your own. You may need to consider methods like the patch, rehab, as well as individual and/or group therapy.
Residual toxins, like those from marijuana, are notoriously difficult to expel and may continue to linger in your system for months. Luckily, there are natural ways to do a THC detox and remove residual metabolites from your body. It can help alleviate potential withdrawal symptoms more comfortably, leading you to a healthier lifestyle.
Friendships
If you’re around a person long enough, you’re inclined to start mimicking their actions and even picking up on their habits. That’s why it’s always advised that you be careful of the company you keep. Surrounding yourself with the wrong crowd could begin to have a negative impact on you. For instance, hanging with friends who drink and lot and do drugs could result in you doing the same. Being around “friends” who are constantly putting you down, taking you for granted, and using you, can be taxing on your emotional well-being.
No matter how long you’ve been “friends” with someone, if they’re not bringing you up, supporting you, and being an equally good friend to you as you are to them, you need to let go. It doesn’t have to be harsh. You can either discuss the issue or start isolating yourself slowly from the situation.
Dissatisfying Career
Believe it or not, that dead-end job you’re tired of working can be toxic in your life. Though it may be paying the bills, when you’re dissatisfied with your career, it can have a lasting impact on you. Sure, all jobs get hectic and stress you out, but if you find yourself using all your sick and vacation time, or you get the “Monday blues”, or become anxious on Sunday nights at the thought of clocking in the next day, you really need to quit your job (well, not without a backup plan).
Nowadays, staying at a place of business just to make sure the bills are paid doesn’t have to be your reality. You can easily start a part-time business or side hustle that can be scaled into a business you can be happy with. You can do something you love, make more money, and ultimately be a lot happier in the mornings.
From toxic relationships to junk food, drugs, alcohol, and a dead-end job, there is a lot that can alter your state of happiness. If the idea is to live a better life, you’ll need to start detoxing. If you’ve had these things in your life for a while, understand the process won’t be easy. However, once you’ve gotten rid of the bad and replaced it with good, you’ll find that the pursuit of happiness is not as far off as you once believed.
