Releasing Toxic Relationships

Welcome to the WHOLISTIC LIVING PODCAST: Episode 21
Aligning Body, Mind, and Soul with Elena Bensonoff

Hello and welcome to the podcast. My name is Elena Bensonoff – Quantum Energy Practitioner, clinical pharmacist, and Health Expert. On today’s episode, I want to talk to you about releasing toxic relationships. This is such an important topic because part of living authentically is really being discerning about who we share our energy with. I will explain how to recognize toxic relationships, why you need to eliminate the negative from your life, and what to do moving forward.

First and foremost, know that you have a say in who you share time and energy with.

Do not feel helplessly forced to keep the same circle of friends you currently have, stay in the job you have, or even associate with all the same family members.

The key is to honor when changes need to be made in your circle of relationships to support your wellbeing.

Some relationships come into your life for a season, others – for a lifetime. The ebb and flow of relationships throughout your life allow you to reflect on deep truths about yourself and the world around you. While both positive and negative relationship experiences can encourage personal growth, it’s important to know when a relationship is becoming toxic for you, so you can put an end to it.

In my own life, I have felt the pull of relationships that were no longer beneficial. Sometimes it feels like a small nagging in the background of your thoughts. Other times, it is heavy and draining, like a black hole that consumes precious time and energy. As I learn and grow, I am able to quickly recognize these scenarios as they play out.

Here are some red flags that you can watch out for in your relationships.

You may be dealing with an unhealthy relationship if you feel drained by the other person & get “bad vibes” from them. Perhaps the more time you spend with them, the further you drift from your dreams. Is the relationship fueled by jealousy, greed, abuse, guilt, or shame? You may feel constantly judged, demeaned, blamed, manipulated, or misunderstood. You become distanced from positive influences like family and friends. You’re not practicing self-care and feel out of touch with your identity.

Maintaining or tolerating toxic relationships takes a terrible toll on wellbeing and quality of life in the long-term – it actually ages you faster. Studies linking stressful life conditions to death or disease show that stress has a direct and measurable effect on the body.

Stress disrupts our neuroendocrine system which governs our hormones. It weakens the immune system. Unexplained weight gain or loss can be attributed to stress on the metabolic system. Cardiovascular and respiratory problems stemming from stress and can lead to chronic illness. Even the nervous system can be impacted by stress leading to psychological disorders.

In contrast, attracting intimate relationships throughout life is an amazing health booster. It’s protective of the brain and body. Memory is sharper, mood improves, and feelings of fulfillment are all reported by people who maintain healthy relationships. In a study by Harvard University, there was a significant trend in subjects living longer healthier lives if they had healthy relationships.

If it feels safe to do so, share your feelings and speak your truth.

This may mean you end the relationship with a trusted friend nearby or over the phone instead of in person. If the relationship isn’t serious, you may be able to simply distance yourself without having to express that is what you are doing. This process might not always mean ending the relationship completely, it could mean the relationship is evolving. If so, move forward with a mutual plan for positive change.

Accept that negative choices, attitudes, and thought patterns attract negative relationships - so it’s important to shift the energy you put out into the world to improve what you get back.

Set healthy boundaries moving forward and open up to new experiences with a fresh perspective. Release the need to control the relationships out of fear and allow them to evolve and change, or dissolve and end out of love. Feel them, grow from them, cherish them as part of your evolution as you move through life.

Know that you have agency when it comes to attracting healthy relationships, you don’t have to sit around waiting for them to appear. Visualize yourself meeting role models, mentors, and new fun fulfilling relationships.

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to review the podcast so others can find it. Follow my journey and for more resources and help living your truth, you can find me at wholistic.com. Blessings.

Wellness Wishes,
Elena

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