Negative thoughts can affect happiness. One minute you’re happy, the next your mind is elsewhere. Here are seven simple methods you can to try and combat negative thoughts:
1. Breathe and Stop
This tip requires self-awareness. If you catch yourself thinking badly, touch yourself on the shoulder and urge yourself to take a deep breath and stop. After gathering your thoughts, return to the task.
2. Examine Negative Thoughts
Negativity might make you overlook the irrationality of many of your thoughts. Instead of accepting your negative thought, break it down, journal about it helps. You may realise it’s not so horrible.
3. Talk to Someone you Trust
Sometimes you need to express yourself. Consult your best friend. They might have better ideas and suggestions.
4. Go For a Quick Run
Clearing your mind is essential. When negative thoughts are suffocating you and telling yourself to quit doesn’t work, go for a run or workout. To forget, keep occupied.
5. Gratitude
Gratitude matters. List all the things you are grateful for. Look at your list and remember why you’re lucky when you’re feeling low. Use this to keep going this is something I do daily without even thinking about it and it works
6. Smile
Giving someone your time and attention might help clear your mind of negative thoughts. Help a family member, friend, or stranger. Make it a daily mission to make someone smile or happy, and you’ll forget you ever had bad thoughts!
7. Meditate
For me, this is a major turning point. My mind always seems to be going in a million different directions, so I’ve never been able to meditate. After having a life coach, I made meditation a regular practice, much like brushing my teeth or taking a shower. I’m well over halfway through this one below, which I’ll be listening to for the next 40 days, and a lot of positive things have happened during that time. There have been some bad days, but I guess that’s to be expected since we’re all humans. This is the first thing I hear in the morning and it always puts me in a great mood for the day ahead. Try it out if you like.
Nikki x