WOW! We’ve been FLOODED with an avalanche of emotion these last few weeks. So many people are super-passionate about their ideas and taking stands, don’t you think?

Let’s set politics aside. I even see it in my business; people being so emotional. Three sides to every “opinion.” Our experiences from the past dictating the way our brain reacts to every situation or circumstance. It’s so fascinating.

Hey, Peeps, it doesn’t matter where you stand!! Wherever you are, someone right next to you will always be facing the opposite direction. That’s nothing new.

Life is characterized by polarities and it’s always going to be that way.

You’re not always right and the other person doesn’t necessarily have to be wrong. For your own inner peace, you have to learn to cope with differences.

Now, before I go on, let me say I’m not talking about negativity—that’s a whole other story. Trying to cope with negativity doesn’t make one bit of sense. A negative environment will suck the friggin’ life out of you!!

Trying to turn your own negative thoughts around is a big enough challenge, right? Surrounding yourself with negative people makes it worse. If you buy into other people’s negativity, it’ll be hard to find your place. You can lose track of your own unique identity.

So what do you do when you’re bombarded with negativity?

Here are a few tips that work for me:

Weed Negative People out of Your Life

Hard, I get it. But even if you’ve been friends for years, eliminate or limit time with negative people. Negative people will just drag you down with them.

Sometimes you can’t avoid certain people, negative or not. In that case, try this….

Set and Enforce Boundaries

If there are pessimistic peeps in your life with negative attitudes and you can’t turn away from—family for instance—agree not to discuss certain topics with them. If the conversation turns negative remind them, and if they don’t stop, get up and walk away. There are those we need to learn to love from afar.

Don’t React

When tense issues arise, try to turn the conversation around and encourage solution-oriented conversation rather than focusing on the problem. Be proactive. What can you do to take action in a positive direction?

Don’t Try to Change People

Here’s the one peeps find super-challenging. It can also be the most painful if you try to do it and don’t get what you want.

DON’T try to change negative people or their opinions. Especially if they’re mega-downbeat or you can see they really just want to change your point of view. It’s not worth the time or energy and it’ll drain your resources.

What CAN you do?

The best way to support yourself in staying positive is to put together a self-care regimen and FOLLOW it. Eat healthy foods, and create a relaxed and peaceful environment. Diffuse essential oils and do yoga or relaxation exercises. Avoid caffeine and sugar. Whatever relaxes you … do it.

I’ve said this before:

What you focus on expands. @hayleyhobson (Click to Tweet!)

Keep reminding yourself of things that set your heart on fire and walk with blinders through the muck and mudslinging everywhere else.

Hayley Hobson is an author, speaker, Kick-A$$ Business Guru, 7 Figure MOM-treprenuer. and passionate about empowering others to live the life of their dreams and is based in Boulder, CO. Hayley creates lifestyle transformations by coaching her clients to become the best WHOLE version of themselves possible. To learn more about her nutritional courses, events, and custom programs, visit hayleyhobson.com or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.