Negative thinking lives in all of us. It’s up to us, however, to decide if we are going to listen to the negative thoughts, or if we are going to let them go without defining us. “Freeing up your headspace can make way for kinder, more positive thinking,” says Jo Bisseker Barr, author of “Stop negative thinking” for Wellness Journal magazine. “Our inner chatter can run like a never-ending soundtrack in the background, often unconsciously, yet informing and guiding so much of our conscious thought, feelings, and behavior.” A large part of this inner chatter is often negative. We may tune it out, but it’s still there, impacting our lives. These negative thoughts can increase anxiety and stress and keep us from being positive. Continue reading to learn more about how you can stop the negative thinking and embrace positivity.
Negative Thoughts Can Be Annoying
“These negative thoughts constantly buzz around our headspace, getting in the way of clearer, calmer, and kinder thinking, says Barr. “They can emerge in moments where we feel we’re not fully in control, casting doubt over our ability to take a risk, go for it, and emerge successfully.” The more we have these thoughts, the deeper they get and the more we believe them. The more we believe them, the more they impact us. It’s an endless cycle that can be annoying to deal with. We must fight these negative thoughts, however. The more we combat them, the better life will be.
Identifying Those Annoying, Negative Thoughts
Pretend you’re a large rock. Your negative thoughts are like water. Water can erode the rock, making it smaller and smaller over time. The rock then becomes something we don’t even recognize. It takes time for the rock to change, though. The same goes for your negative thoughts. These negative thoughts can change you over time, making you cynical and unable to embrace the positive things around you. The first step to combating these negative thoughts is to identify them. Once you are able to identify when they are occurring, you’ll be able to put a stop to them in real-time. Another thing you can do is to stay calm. We know that these thoughts can be distressing. Try not to add extra pressure to yourself. Stay calm and remind yourself that you are not your negative thoughts.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here to help you with your negative thought patterns during your recovery. Call our trained staff today to learn more about the programs we can offer to you. You can reach us at 844-413-2690. We can’t wait to speak with you!