How to Regain Control of Your Negative Thoughts
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or bombarded with negative thinking… you’re not alone. It can be so easy to spiral once the negative thoughts start, and hard to pull yourself out of your head and re-ground in reality.
But some things are simply outside of our control. So today, let’s focus on what we can control and let go of what we can’t. Here are a few quick tips to get you started.
1. Get rid of those 'should' thoughts.
These thoughts only put pressure and unreasonable demands on you, which in turn make you feel worse. Instead of feeling guilty and beating yourself up for the things you aren’t doing, focus on the small wins and accept that you’re doing the best you can.
2. Recognize trends in your thoughts.
Do you notice any patterns? Is there a specific time, place or event that triggers you into a downward spiral?
3. Antagonize your thoughts.
Fight them, question them, and reframe them.
4. Acknowledge why your thoughts are occuring.
Are you overwhelmed, anxious, frightened, or stressed? Acknowledge those feelings and work to treat them in a different way, like journaling, spending time with loved ones, expressing your emotions, or fueling your mind and body.
5. Don't force positive thoughts.
Instead, work to treat the root cause of your negative thinking and the positive thoughts will come.
If you’re reading this, I just want you to know that I’m proud of you. Are there any tips you’re feeling stuck on? Let’s chat!