The energy in our environments is real and impactful, so it's essential to be intentional about what (and who) we welcome into our space. Unlike the pictured strawberry, we have a choice in what influences we allow. Toxic people, stressful tasks, and pollutants in food, drink, or air can all deplete our energy, health, and time. Here are a few ways to cut down on exposure that drains us.

Toxic People

1. Identify Them
   Recognizing toxic individuals can be tricky. Familiarity shouldn’t be confused with acceptability, as negative influences often feel deceptively normal. True toxic relationships drain and destabilize us; whereas others, who may simply be annoying or culturally unaware, are more benign. A quick self-check after each interaction—how you felt before, during, and after—can provide clarity. Is this pattern consistent?

2. Let Them Go
   Once you’ve identified energy-draining relationships, create boundaries or let them go to make room for growth.

3. If You Can’t Avoid Them
   For those you can't cut ties with yet (e.g., a colleague or landlord), limit your exposure and practice detachment. While creating a plan to manage or move on, remember that absorbing toxicity isn’t sustainable for your mental or physical health.

Toxic Tasks

1. Recognize What Drains You
   Which tasks leave you sighing or feeling deflated? Review your recent calendar for meetings or tasks and rate each one: Did it energize you? Was it neutral? Or did it drain you?

2. Delegate or Automate
   Delegate or swap tasks whenever possible. There’s often someone else who enjoys (or at least doesn’t mind) what you might dread. If delegation isn’t an option, find automation solutions: set up direct debit for bills, batch payments for health insurance, or invest in a robot vacuum.

3. Regularly Review Your Workflow
   While not every task will be uplifting, if most of your workload leaves you drained, it’s time for a change. A regular review helps ensure your daily framework includes tasks that support you.

Toxic Food, Drinks, and Air

While a more detailed post will cover specific mitigants, here’s an overview of common toxin sources:

• In Food and Drink: Contaminants like pesticides, mold, antibiotics, and heavy metals frequently make their way into what we consume.
• In the Air: Exhaust fumes, chemicals, and environmental pollution impact outdoor and indoor air quality.
• In Our Homes: Indoor spaces can harbor invisible toxins like mold within walls, and harmful substances in carpets, personal care products, and cleaning agents. An air purifier may surprise you with what it captures.

Remember: Your Body is a Detox Powerhouse

Despite constant exposure, our bodies are remarkable at cleansing. The best support we can offer is to reduce the toxin load and improve our natural detox pathways.

More on enhancing that process in the next post!