The Impact of Unhealthy Relationships
One of the fundamental aspects of health is your relationships and who you choose to invite into your life.
If you struggle with setting boundaries, you may find yourself attracting toxic people who can drain your energy and negatively impact your health.
Last week, I had a date lined up, who eventually ghosted me. A few years ago, I would have sat in pity and blamed myself for what I possibly did wrong. Instead, I found his behaviour unattractive for a man almost turning fifty.
It’s taken a few dating experiences to understand my cycle in my romantic relationships and how I was attracting unavailable men to fulfill a childhood abandonment womb.
Now that I’ve seen my pattern play out for a few cycles, I’ve decided no longer to allow these types of men into my life, but mostly not blame myself for their toxic behaviour.
That’s why taking responsibility for how you show up in your relationships is so powerful. By learning to set clear boundaries, you’ll quickly recognize unhealthy dynamics and protect your energy before they spiral out of control.
If you don’t feel respected or find someone constantly draining your energy, it may be time for self-reflection and reassessing those connections.
Ask yourself if they’re truly serving your well-being. Sometimes, distancing yourself or possibly letting go may be the healthiest choice.
The impact of unhealthy connections
Increased Stress and Anxiety— The hormone cortisol will elevate, which can cause high blood pressure and heart disease. It can cause overthinking and emotional stress.
Lack of sleep—Stress arising from relationship conflicts can make falling and staying asleep difficult or even result in insomnia.
Weakened Immune System—Continuous exposure to stress hormones weakens the immune system, increasing our vulnerability to infections and illnesses.
Low self-worth—Constant belittling, gaslighting, and criticism, which can chip away at self-esteem, causing the person to feel depressed or isolate themselves.
While a strong support system can uplift and energize us, toxic connections drain our energy, increase stress, and may even lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive alcohol consumption or binge eating.
How to change unhealthy dynamics
To change unhealthy relationship dynamics, you’ll need to be self-aware and recognize the signs and patterns to learn how to set boundaries. Here are some tips to help you become more responsible when choosing the right people in your life.
Know your values—List your non-negotiables and what you expect in your relationship—examples: consistency, authenticity, mature communication, etc.
Boundaries—Start by communicating your needs and limits, whether they relate to personal space, emotional support, or how you want to be treated.
Encourage Mutual Respect—Encourage open dialogue where both parties can express their needs and concerns. Try to listen instead of waiting to respond.
Self-care—Taking care of yourself should be your top priority; when you begin implementing this, you can set proper boundaries.
Distancing—Letting go of someone due to their behaviour may be best for both of you, especially if they bring negativity into your life. Sometimes, the healthiest choice is to create distance or even let go of relationships that no longer serve your well-being.
Relationships are complex, and it’s perfectly okay to support someone who may be going through a hard time, but if they are dumping their negativity and causing stress in your life, then it may be time to let them go.
Implementing your non-negotiables and respecting your values will help you set clear boundaries and spot any “red flags” early on.
When you surround yourself with healthy connections, your health naturally thrives—your energy improves, stress levels drop, and you feel more supported and uplifted.
Positive relationships are like fuel for both your mind and body, helping you build resilience and empowering you to become the best version of yourself.
