Toxic: What Does It Really Mean?

We hear the term “toxic” a lot in our everyday lives, but what does it really mean? To help define this term, let’s dive a bit deeper and discover what toxic relationships, environments, and lifestyles look and feel like.

The Impact of Toxic Relationships

Toxic relationships can be defined as those connections in which we no longer feel safe or accepted. A toxic relationship is generally one that is characterized by a lack of mutual respect, unhealthy communication patterns, a volatile tone, and a lack of positive interactions. Ultimately, any relationship (friendship, romantic partnership, work relationship, etc.) can become toxic when it’s no longer built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Within a toxic relationship, we often experience a range of emotions; from anxiety, insecurity, and confusion to powerlessness and blame.

The Impact of Toxic Environments

A toxic environment can manifest itself in various ways; from the physical space we inhabit and the people around us to the actual climate and the air we breathe. Unhealthy environment can be characterized by a lack of physical, mental, and emotional safety. We can experience profound stress and fear as a result of working or living in a toxic environment. Additionally, environmental toxicity can also refer to the air we breathe, the chemicals we expose ourselves to and the products we use. Microplastics, for example, can cause cancer, respiratory illnesses and other diseases.

The Impact of Toxic Lifestyles

Our lifestyle choices can also be toxic when it fails to take into account our physical and mental health. When we fail to take care of our bodies through nutrition, exercise, and rest, we can experience physical and emotional stress, fatigue, and fatigue-related illnesses. This is what an unhealthy and potentially toxic lifestyle looks like. At its core, toxic living is a way of life that sets us up for illness, degenerative diseases, and burnout.

In conclusion, it’s essential to know and recognize the signs of toxicity and how it manifests itself in our everyday lives. If we’re able to recognize and identify a toxic relationship, environment, or lifestyle, we can make the necessary shifts to create a healthy and supportive environment. Armed with this knowledge, we can make informed decisions that truly honor our hearts and souls.