Negative thoughts are human nature. Everyone has them. But negativity left unmanaged can lead to depression, chronic worry, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. So, how you manage your emotions can make all the difference. Reframe your thoughts to embrace positivity.
Letting Go of Negativity
Negativity is a choice. While it may not feel like it when you are in the trenches of anxiety, stress, sadness, or anger, you have the power to shift your thinking from a negative outlook to a positive one.
Managing Negative Thoughts
Before you can overcome negative feelings, you must gain perspective. Greater self-awareness opens the door for you to let go. So, begin by taking these steps to manage your mental well-being.
- Acknowledge what you are feeling. You don’t want to suppress your feelings. Instead, you want to process them so you can move on.
- Give yourself permission to feel. If you are sad, cry. If you are angry, take a deep breath.
- Focus on the present; it is the path to clarity.
- Recognize what you have control over. Worrying about things outside of your control only breeds anxiety.
- Be decisive. Let the facts guide your decisions, and once decided, don’t second-guess yourself. Worrying won’t change the outcome of a decision.
Shifting Your Thoughts
Now it’s time to shift to a positive mindset. The key is to take control of your thoughts – so they don’t control you! Begin by offloading your negative thoughts. The following steps can help you feel more in control and improve your emotional well-being.
- Write a letter. Let all those negative feelings out on paper. Say what you need to say to yourself or someone else, and feel the release as the words pour out. When the letter is complete, dispose of it and envision yourself letting go of the thoughts within it.
- Talk to someone. When you share your thoughts with a person you trust, it can offer comfort and reassurance that you’re not alone.
- Drop your worries in a box. Create a “worry box” that holds all your negative thoughts so you don’t have to carry that burden. Literally write your negative thoughts down and place each in the box. Let go once you’ve put them in the box – they’re no longer your concerns.
- Get physical. It’s common knowledge that exercise helps to release endorphins. So, take a walk or go to the gym. A physical release of energy can also lead to a mental release of negativity.
A Path to Positivity
Now you’re ready to let your emotional well-being flourish. It’s time to think positively. Always speak to yourself with kindness and compassion so your inner dialogue breeds positivity. If a negative thought pops up, focus on the solutions. List the things you can control and seek information that unveils new truths. Don’t let old perceptions shadow your current thoughts. To stay in a positive state of mind, surround yourself with positive people and do what you enjoy. With these actions, you’ll be in control of harnessing positive energy.
Finding Greater Joy
While everyone encounters challenging moments in life, you have the power to rise above those moments. Resilience is greater if you start each day on the right foot. So wake up and practice gratitude, which is directly linked to happiness. Focus on the good things in life, big or small. And soon, positive thinking will be second-nature.
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