I have been labeled a highly sensitive person every since I was a toddler. Ballet lessons at the age of 4 were unbearable for me because I would sob to the classical music (even though I loved ballet and all forms of dancing); and it was unbearable for everyone else, too. I am still this way: sad music, sad movies, movies where animals are harmed (even cartoons), and people with harsh words send me into my introverted turtle shell to hide.

If you listen to what other people say, watch the news, or interact on social media, you are bound to be overwhelmed by negativity if you are highly sensitive. It’s easy for people to behave badly on social media because they can do so from behind the safety of their computer. Recent public events have brought out the worst judgment in people; not based on the issue at the core of the situation, but based on people going way off topic and attacking people for things that have nothing to do with the issue. Think of it this way, everyone messes up (some more than others). Now think of the last mistake that you made and imagine it going viral on social media and being on national news? Now imagine that people start to comment negatively on your looks, your family, or things that have nothing to do with your mistake? It makes the rhyme about sticks and stones ring in my ears. Get the gist of my angst?

As a trial attorney, I learned quickly which battles to fight and to often take the high road. When it comes to the (c)rudeness on social media, I most often just move on and don’t say anything because the last thing I want is the negativity directed at me. I sacredly safe guard my energy. But I have reached the ceiling on all of this nastiness to where I am now unfollowing certain friends and taking myself out of group pages that I joined to help me on my business.

One particular post on a group business page (that I paid to be a part of) pushed it too far last night. One person was expressing her frustration about a particular business style. When I saw people jumping on the negativity band wagon and back handing other un-related businesses in the process, that had nothing to do with the original post, I had to comment. One thing that I wrote in my comment was “I’m seeing more and more how social media groups are influencing core beliefs in us that may not be healthy.”

I have found it to be true that we are only as successful, happy, healthy as the people we associate with the most. Whether we acknowledge it or accept it, when we hang out on certain social media pages the information on that page penetrates our subconscious and can become a core belief.

I have no problem speaking up for myself and others (I’m an animal advocate after all). But whenever I speak up against nastiness on social media, I don’t feel better because it’s people that I don’t know personally and if I met them I likely would not friend them in real life. And then I wonder if the lynch mob will turn on me. I just don’t want to see those negative posts because I don’t want that negative energy in my life. Can you relate? Have you felt this way too?

So what’s a sensitive person to do with social media nastiness? Here are my tricks that are helping me to stay kind but strong and not hide in my blanket fort all day long.

• Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a quick and effective method for moving out harmful energy that you have experienced. Click here to learn how to tap. I have tapped for years but in the past 2 weeks I have been tapping daily (and sometimes multiple times a day). I find that it’s helpful to immediately tap when something bothers you. No need to imprint that situation in your body. Tap tap tap and get it out!
• Add essential oils to your fingertips when you’re tapping. I have been using Release oil. Click here to watch a video that I recently created on how I tap with oils. You can also diffuse essential oils or place a drop in your hands to inhale (make sure they are safe for that use) … any oil will do because oils help to balance your energy field. But Roman Chamomile, Neroli and Rose are good choices.
• I love the emotional releasing combination of Malachite with Rhodochrosite. Place them all over your solar plexus and heart chakra for 15-20 minutes.
• Go for a massage or energy healing session. Get the energy moved out of your body.
• Journal and write out what is upsetting you. Writing it out helps to get it out.
• Do something to bring your attention to being present (so that your thoughts stop replaying the situation): dancing, yoga, walking/running/exercise, a walk on the beach, get together or talk with a positive uplifting friend, listen to uplifting music.
• Forgive yourself for getting upset. Check out my blog on forgiveness and more helpful tips.
• And hug your pets … they are pure unconditional love and compassion.

You’re not alone if the nastiness on social media is overwhelming. I know that the energies are really challenging all of us and pushing us to the next level, but the next level of energy is all about compassion.

So here’s my wish: Let’s flood social media with positivity!!!! Inspiring posts, posts about having better body/heart/mind/spirit, posts about helping others, and sharing lots and lots of photos/videos of cute animals! And use #positivepost.

About Allie Phillips: