3 Ways to Crush Negative Thoughts

Lisa Franchi February 28, 2013

Optimism is a powerful tool that can drive you to success. If you are one of those people who tend to cling on negative thoughts and emotions, here’s the good news for you – positive thinking is a skill that can be learned, enhanced and developed! And there are different ways to do this.

Write it down.

If you are the naturally the pessimist type, writing down your feelings and thoughts can just be the thing! In a study published in the Psychological Science journal, researchers found that people who wrote down negative thoughts about their body, image or diet, and threw it away became less affected by them when later evaluating their attitudes on these topics. Being able to identify and express your feelings is the initial way towards understanding them. By doing this, you develop the ability to shake away the thoughts and emotions that bother you, and retain those that make you feel good.

Laugh out loud!

Don’t just smile. Laugh out loud! The fact that laughter promotes mental health is the reason why it is now used in many therapeutic activities. A large body of research suggests that humour has the ability to relieve pain and stress, lower down anxiety, and promote positive thinking. Laughter stimulates the brain to release endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers and antidepressants. Always make humour a part of your life. Don’t be too serious! Sit down and watch a funny movie, chill out with friends and talk about your happiest times together. Attend a comedy show. Read funny jokes. Don’t last a day without having even just a few moments of genuine laughter!

Talk to yourself (positively).

Many people have the habit of talking to their inner selves. The problem is this: they tend to talk about negative things instead of the positive ones! Instead of bullying yourself, make positive affirmations. Focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses. Focus on what you can do, and not what you failed to do. For example, instead of saying ‘I’m so stupid to lose the job!’ just say ‘Yes I did not make it but next time, I definitely will’. But of course, turning negative self-talk into something positive is something that does not happen overnight. Start small. Begin by appreciating your achievements no matter how small they are. Big things will come next!

Sure you can’t control most things that happen in your life. But you have all the power not to make them control how you think and feel! Positive thinking is the best gift you can give to yourself. When you are positive, you’ll find it easier to deal with life’s challenges and reach your goals.

 

Dear Readers,

How does positive thinking help you deal with highly stressful situations? 

Share your comments below!