How To Challenge Negative Thinking

According to a recent study, “we produce up to 50,000 thoughts a day and 70% to 80% of those are negative”. While this may not seem like a major issue (especially if everyone is doing this), negativity takes up more space in our lives than it deserves. After all, a negative mindset impacts our lives in more ways than one and often takes its toll on our mental well-being.

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to combat negative thinking. 

• Ask yourself: Do I really feel that way? Negative thoughts are vindictive – they try to trick us into believing our worst thoughts about ourselves (and others) are true. As a result, whenever you find your mind slipping into negativity, question it immediately. For example, if you’ve fallen out of love with your reflection in the mirror, ask yourself whether you feel that way or if society (or societal standards) has tried to make you feel that way. Remember that you are beautiful just the way you are – and tell yourself this several times daily. 

• Seek professional help. As evidenced above, negative thinking is not uncommon. However, when it consumes your every waking moment, you may want to consider reaching out to a professional who can help you find a healthier way to process your feelings. For example, psychologists will not only help you develop a more positive mindset, but they will also be able to help you get to the root of these feelings, figuring out why you may feel that way in the first place. When we can find the cause of our feelings, we can start a new chapter in our lives. Furthermore, this will help you to develop a range of coping techniques and mechanisms that you can utilize whenever negativity seeps into your daily life. 

• Practice meditation. Mediation is another excellent technique that you can rely on when it comes to adopting a more positive mindset due to the fact that it’s often associated with greater emotional clarity and mental well-being. As such, you should try to find a way into meditation, even if you’ve found it difficult in the past. Remember, meditation doesn’t necessarily mean you have to follow a lengthy tape and try different breathing exercises. Sitting in quiet contemplation can also be a great way to collect your feelings. 

• Repeat positive affirmations in the mirror. Negative thinking is often linked with low self-esteem because negative thoughts will slowly chip away at your confidence. Repeating positive affirmations out loud to yourself can, therefore, be a great way to escape this vicious circle. Each time you find yourself thinking negatively about yourself, be that regarding your looks, intelligence, or personality, immediately say three positive things about yourself out loud. While this may not seem all that fruitful, it tricks your brain into becoming gradually more positive and helps you to be kinder to yourself as you realize just how great you truly are. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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