Sometimes life throws us curve balls that we can’t help but get down about. But have you ever wondered how to stop negative thoughts from entering your mind? This article will provide you with useful tips to help you be more positive.
To stop negative thoughts from your mind, try the following:
- Limit your exposure to negative information.
- Surround yourself with positive people.
- Improve your self-esteem.
- Look for the good in every situation.
- Get regular exercise.
We can’t help but go through tough situations from time to time. But we can often control just how much something affects us by keeping our minds in a good place.
Why not take a look at these 5 steps to a healthier and more positive mind in more detail below?
This Is How You Can Stop Negative Thoughts From Your Mind
Are you ready to take control of your way of thinking? It’s time to leave the negative behind and push forward with what’s upbuilding!
The following suggestions will help you to keep negative thoughts to a minimum.
Limit Your Exposure to Negative Information
Some people think that having a positive mind means turning a blind eye to all negativity. They think that the only way to do this is to reject at all costs any negative influences in life. But, there is a better way to work at developing a clear headspace.
It may not actually be healthy to completely ignore the negative things that are happening around us. But, we can put a limit on how much negative information we take in. Do you feel slightly overwhelmed by negative information? Is it affecting your thoughts making them predominantly negative too?
If so, then ask yourself:
- How often do I watch the news?
- How often do I read the news in newspapers or online?
- What genre books do I read?
- What type of movies do I watch?
- What style of music do I listen to?
Of course, there is nothing wrong with keeping up to date with the latest world news. There is also no harm done in watching a real-life story on TV or listening to melancholy music. But a daily combination of all these will cause you to have a negative headspace.
If you are struggling to keep your headspace positive, then why not try the following:
- Keep up to date with the news, but watch summaries of stories rather than long footage of each update. Set a time limit on how long you will spend watching the news and turn it off when the time has passed.
- Allot time for reading the news regularly, but do not feel pressured to watch every new story as they emerge. Turn off the news alerts on your mobile device.
- Enjoy a variety of book genres. After all, variety is the spice of life!
- Watch a variation of movies and TV shows. There’s more out there than real-life stories!
- Set up a feel-good playlist that you can put on when you detect negative thoughts creeping into your mind.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Admittedly, you can’t control all the people you share your life with. There will always be negative workmates and family members that you have to spend time with.
But, you should take back the reins on the time that is your own. That includes:
- Evenings
- Weekends
- Vacations
Do you find yourself often displaying a negative, or even complaining attitude? Then ask yourself the following questions:
- What are the predominant characteristics of those I spend time with?
- Do the people I spend time with see the glass as half empty or half full?
- What is the tone of a normal conversation with my friends?
Did you respond negatively to one or more of these questions? Then it could be that your group of friends is getting you down in the dumps. If that is the case, try the following:
- Limit the time you spend with negative people.
- Choose friends that are positive and upbeat.
- Keep conversations upbuilding and enjoyable.
Improve Your Self-Esteem
How would you rate your self-esteem?
A low level of self-esteem will have a direct effect on your headspace. Those with low self-esteem often think the following:
- They have to say yes to doing something. Even if it’s something that they don’t like or don’t want to do.
- They are not deserving of a loving partner or good friends.
- Others are constantly scrutinizing the things they say and do.
- Others say and do things to challenge them and are waiting for them to fail.
Do you feel identified by one of the statements mentioned above? Then it sounds like you could do with a real self-esteem boost. But how can you go about doing so?
Take a look at the following tips.
- Remember that it’s ok to say no. You don’t have to do something just because someone has suggested it. If you feel uncomfortable, speak up!
- Don’t forget that everyone should be loved, especially you! But what if you find it difficult to make friends? Keep in mind that to have a friend you must be a friend. Take a personal interest in others. Choose friends and a partner that treat you in the way you deserve.
- Avoid guessing what other people are thinking. It’s worth mentioning that most people are too concerned with what they’re doing to be worried about you. Sometimes it seems like all eyes are on you. But that may just be your imagination playing tricks on you.
- Take things on face value. Do this instead of thinking of the double meaning and possible reasons why people may say and act the way they do. More often than not, people say what they mean with no hidden agendas. It’s our minds that are doing the overtime.
Look for the Good in Every Situation
It can be difficult to maintain a positive mind when things go wrong. This can be especially tricky when the following happens:
- You make a mistake at work.
- Your partner ends your long-term relationship.
- You don’t get the job after an interview.
These situations can get us down and try to keep us down. So how can you see the silver-lining during times like these?
Take a look at the following tips:
- Learn from your mistakes. If you make a mistake at work or somewhere else, ask yourself:
- Where did I go wrong?
- What can I do to prevent this from happening again?
- What did I learn from the mistake I made?
- Think about what you have learned from your relationship. Consider what it has taught you about yourself and what you learned from your partner. Be determined to keep yourself busy and don’t isolate yourself.
- Learn from your failures. If you don’t get a job after an interview, ask yourself:
- Are there any factors beyond my control that prevented me from getting the job?
- What could I do to improve my interviewing style?
Get Regular Exercise
If you want to channel more positive thoughts, one of the quickest ways to do so is by getting some exercise. Why? Because when you exercise, your brain increases your levels of endorphins, dopamine, adrenaline, and other chemicals.
These chemicals are the ones that help you do the following:
- Feel happier.
- Be more confident.
- Feel less anxiety and stress.
Affirmations to Stop Negative Thinking
Positive affirmations can also help you to stop negative thinking. Would you like some suggestions for affirmations that help to cut negative thoughts? Then take a look at some of the sample phrases below:
- I let go of destructive patterns.
- I abandon all negative thoughts.
- I release doubt and guilt.
How about some affirmations that will help you increase your self-worth? Take a look at some of the sample phrases below:
- I am kind to myself
- I love myself just the way I am.
- I deserve love and good friends.
- I will be successful.
Lastly, here are some affirmations that will help you channel positive thoughts. Take a look:
- I focus on the positive.
- I learn from every situation.
- I look at the good in people.
- I am grateful for the things I have.
