Negative thinking can be hard to get rid of because it often comes up on its own and is hard to stop. But there are things like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and positive self-talk that can help reduce how often and how much they bother you. It’s important to remember that everyone has negative thoughts sometimes, and that’s okay. However, if your negative thoughts are getting in the way of your daily life, you should see a professional.
Here Are 5 Ways to Get Rid of Negative Thinking
Accept that you have a problem with negative thinking.
Self-reflection on this subject might be hard because we don’t usually pay attention to what we say or do. Making a two-sided chart could help you figure out how negative and self-defeating you are. Write down all of your good thoughts for the day on one side. On the other hand, write down everything you dislike. You’d be surprised by how much bad stuff the average person thinks about.
Get some exercise.
Moving around might help you change how you feel and what you think. You don’t have to run a marathon or swim across the English Channel to make a difference like that. Just get up, take a walk, do some jumping jacks, or dance. Yes, you should dance. Turn on your favorite music, dance around for a few minutes, and see if that makes you feel better.
Practice gratitude to avoid negative thinking.
If making a list of your negative thoughts was the first step to realizing you have a problem with negativity, making a list of positive things could be the first step to fixing it. Write down all the things you’re grateful for. Not sure how to make a list? What about your breath, your heartbeat, your sight, and all the other things we take for granted? When you start making your list, it will build on itself and fill your mind with good things.
Talk about it with other people.
Find a friend, family member, therapist, or another person who can listen to your problems without giving advice or judging you (unless you want it). You can also pray, write in a journal, or make art based on how you feel. Once they’re gone, you’ll be strangely (or maybe even magically) free of negative thoughts.
Change how you speak.
Like in tip 1, write down the words and phrases you use most often. Take negative words and phrases out of your vocabulary and see how your thoughts change. Pay attention to how you talk and stand as well. Don’t slouch, and smile most of all.
