Negative thoughts mostly come unbidden. Once they have a space in your mind, they can draw out positivity and cloud over other things in your life. Further, they may gain momentum, strength, speed, and mass. And the longer they live, the stronger they get. When you realize the power of your thoughts, a question that may easily pop into your head is, ‘how to change my negative thoughts?’, and rightly so.
How to change my negative thoughts?
Smile
You must have heard the saying that it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown. When you smile, it helps to relieve stress and makes you want to feel better. Study researcher Sarah Pressman, of the University of Kansas says “The next time you are stuck in traffic or are experiencing some other type of stress, you might try to hold your face in a smile for a moment. Not only will it help you ‘grin and bear it’ psychologically, but it might actually help your heart health as well!” And wanting to feel better is a good first step. So, if you ever find yourself asking how to change my negative thoughts, just smile and see the magic.
Keep your mind busy
You must have heard the term ‘an empty mind is the devil’s workshop’. When your mind isn’t occupied with productive thoughts it starts to overthink. The overthinking puts you in a state where you start looking at everything negatively. So, go take a hobby class or meet some friends to keep your mind busy.
Practice mindfulness
The ability to stay in the present moment and concentrate on things that you are feeling can help you to channelize emotions and analyse their intensity. This might lead you to forget about the negative thoughts during that time.
Surround yourself with happy people
It is recommended that you talk to and meet people who can help constructively. People who see things your way, those who give support, and some constructive feedback can boost your mood in an instant, rather than those who only sympathise and add to your negative thoughts.
Do away with the ‘I am a victim’ attitude
An all-consuming human emotion is a self-pity. Whatever happens in life, most people find it easy to behave as if they have no control over the situation. But it’s important to take responsibility. There are always avenues and choices that can make the situation better. Look out for them and make the most of them. Write your story the way you want rather than being the victim.
Find a way to relax your body
Whether through yoga, through meditation, a nice long nap, or a massage. A fatigued body and mind are susceptible to overthinking and overanalysing. And sometimes negative thoughts can take root in such a state. Make sure that you spend some time relaxing every-day for a big dose of positivity.
Exercise
It has been scientifically proven that endorphins are released when you exercise which help you feel energised, youthful, and happy. Exercising 30 minutes a day boosts your happiness. Research has shown that exercise alleviates the symptoms of depression.
Change your mental chatter
Be attentive to how you think. Are your thoughts full of negative words, for example, can’t, won’t, will not, unhappy, challenge, no way, hopeless, and so on. Become aware of this self-talk and change it to have positive words such as, can, will, why not, let’s try, am sure it’s possible, and the likes.
Destroy the negative thought
Simple exercises like writing down the negative thought on a piece of paper and destroying it or throwing it away can give you the temporary space that you need to break the cycle. Once there’s a break you can pay attention so that negative thoughts don’t come back. Doing this continunously might put you in the habit of getting out of the loop.
Develop an attitude of gratitude
Giving thanks and counting the blessings around you can help get a sense of balance and recognise how many positives you have in your lives. A sense of gratitude fills you with positivity and you start seeing the good in this world. You should be thankful for all that you have. This will help you keep your negative thoughts at bay.
Spend time with friends and loved ones
This will help you feel secure. It goes a long way in giving you a warm cocoon of security and love, which in turn will enable and empower you. The feeling of security will not make you doubt every decision you take and can help in keeping negative thoughts from clogging your brain.
Negative thoughts are not your natural state. If you feel they are making a home in your mind, banish them with the power of positivity for a happy and healthy life. Stop your search to find an answer to ‘how to change my negative thoughts?’ and practice these simple habits.
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