10 Ways to Stop Negative Thoughts
Believing in negative thoughts is the single greatest obstruction to success
Negative thinking, also known as “reinforcement of the negative” or “negativity bias,” is an unfortunate social phenomenon that has become widespread in modern society.
Social media, television shows, and news articles have contributed to this problem over the years. When we spend so much time with negative stimuli, they quickly take root and spread into our subconscious minds.
Here are 10 simple steps that will help you stop negative thinking once and for all:
Surround yourself with positive people
Talk to people who can help you see things in perspective and who won’t reinforce your negative thoughts when you are in a downward spiral.
Replace the negative thoughts
Negative thought patterns are not overcome; instead, they are replaced. These negative thought patterns have become brain pathways for the majority of us.
Four easy actions:
- Take note of the moment the pattern began.
- Recognize that you want to change a pattern.
- Clearly state what you wish to change.
- Opt for a different behavior that advances your objectives.
Find things to love, like, and appreciate
Strive consciously to think about positive ideas rather than fighting against unpleasant ones. Speak (out loud if you can) about the things you value, enjoy, and love as a potent means of achieving that.
Smile
You can change your mood and reduce stress with a smile. You’ll feel lighter because it takes fewer muscles to smile than frown.
Remember that no one is perfect, and let yourself move forward
It’s simple to focus on your mistakes. Think of it as an experience.
Focus on micro-goals
Celebrate your minor victories so you may look back and recognize how far you’ve gone when confronted with a negative notion.
Get moving
Simply getting some exercise, such as a quick yoga flow or brisk walk, can transform your perspective, help you escape a downward spiral, and release feel-good endorphins.
Focus on your breath
By concentrating on your breathing, you may come back to the present while briefly pausing your mind. Concentrate on taking four counts of breaths in, waiting for four counts, and then taking four counts of breaths out.
Send yourself a letter
If you know you’re constantly having the same thoughts, writing a letter to yourself can be helpful when you’re in a calmer state of mind that reminds you to put things in perspective.
Music, meditations, and audio sessions
Take at least 10 minutes daily to turn on quiet music, meditate or listen to a CBT audio session in the Sensera app. This will help get rid of anxiety and all negative thoughts.
