If there is one thing I know, its negative thoughts breed negative thoughts. Even knowing this, there are times I fall down the dark rabbit hole on a bad day and allow one negative thought to trickle into the next. Before I even realize what it is I am doing, my whole mind has become a battleground, and I can’t seem to shake it.
As a writer of all topics about personal development, I should know better than to go down into the sinkhole of unpleasant thoughts. Yet, even realizing that negative thoughts are not purposeful, it doesn’t make me immune to getting mired in the quicksand of negativity.
Now and again, I will accidentally succumb to the nonsense of thinking things that don’t serve me any purpose. Yet, it’s important to realize we must learn to interject, not necessarily fight to not them have them at all. Part of what makes us all human means that negative thoughts can sneak into our lives. In every situation or event, we could find something wrong about it.
Therefore, how do we climb out of this negativity once it does happen?
It’s crucial that we quickly bounce back and learn to manage the negative thoughts once we have them. The next time you find yourself headed down the negativity trail, try to steer yourself towards the positivity possibilities using these steps.
1. Stop Sulking In Your Negative Thoughts
Do you remember the last time you went down the slippery slope of negativity? I do. I was sitting on the couch, feeling crappy.
First came the negative thought, and then it was as if the thoughts became a monster I was feeding. Complaining aloud was only adding to the destruction. Maybe you can relate to this type of situation, and before you know it, we find ourselves on a loop of negative thoughts.
To counteract the negativity, I decided to snap out of it and made myself get off the couch. I interrupted my sulking and went for a long walk, and doing so, helped tremendously.
The next time you feel like moping about, it is essential to pick yourself up and keep your mind busy in a positive way. It’s your job to intersect those moments. No one can do that for you.
Related: 40 Positive Affirmations To Live Your Best Life
2. Find A Healthy Outlet
When everything seems to be going down the drain, be ready with a backup plan. Having one in place can help to disrupt the negativity. It also helps to know ahead of time what will work for you.
Finding a healthy outlet is essential and vital to your well-being long term. When you lean towards unhealthy substances, such as drinking, smoking, or unhealthy eating, it does not make problems go away.
This behavior only magnifies the situation, and anxiety and feelings of guilt can often leave us feeling worse. It is essentially the icing on the cake.
Instead, choose healthy choices or habits that create endorphins. Think biking, hiking, listening to a motivating podcast, or your favorite music.
3. Know Your Triggers And Change The Story
Is it the same familiar conversation with a family member that sets you off?
Anxiety with a coworker?
Is it a rude acquaintance that gets under your skin?
Know what sets you off and why. Break a previous scenario down in your mind and be aware of the story you repeatedly tell yourself. If you are anxious before a situation even happens, you could be setting yourself up for failure.
Remember, what you choose to place your focus on is amplified. It is essential to be careful what thoughts are taking space in the residence of your mind. Instead of ruminating, learn to relabel crises as a moment to grow and transform your situation.
Be kind to your mind, and focus on staying in control of the story.
Related: How To Better Understand Your Emotional Intelligence
4. Go Towards Gratitude
It is beneficial to be thankful for our negative thoughts. I know what you may be thinking. Now I am supposed to be grateful for my negative thoughts? Well, yes—to some extent. Let me give you an example. When our minds try to tell us something that is not useful, such as, “This business is never going to work.” Or, “I hate the way I look.” Instead, try saying, “Thank you mind for being concerned, but that thought is not helping me.”
Separating thoughts from yourself creates space, offers the opportunity to listen to our thoughts, and provides us a moment to realize those words are not helping the situation. It takes consistent cognitive and behavioral work to commit to being positive, so do not fret if this habit takes a while to build.
5. Make A Note Of The Thought But Then Choose Not To Believe It
Remember, just because a negative thought enters your mind doesn’t mean you need to believe it. Author Neville Goddard once said this,”It is not what you want that you attract; you attract what you believe to be true.”
Thoughts are things, so feel free to remind yourself that thoughts are just that, thoughts. It helps to reset ourselves by reminding ourselves. For example, “I am having a thought that I am not good enough.” Then, merely allow the thought to leave. It helps even to imagine it floating away and simply letting go.
Other reads you may enjoy:
35 Productive Habits To Be More Successful This Year