These Four Thoughtful Tips Will Help You Reduce “Negative Thinking”

More than ever, it seems, the world can be extremely overwhelming. When so much seems to be out of our control, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns. Negative thinking can contribute to even more anxiety and depression. But what is there to do about it? While everyone is different, the habits shared by social media user heal.yourself.first are worth considering.

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Our thoughts dictate our actions, but the opposite can be true, too. With that in mind, why not try to stop complaining? Okay, easier said than done, I know. Complaining is a way to vent frustration, after all. Still, heal.yourself.first suggests trying to avoid complaining at all for a single week. (Note that intrusive thoughts differ from actively complaining and likely shouldn’t reset your counter.)

As silly as it may sound, sitting in negativity can be addicting, especially if it’s familiar. Plus, it can even feel productive at times. But did you know that running through countless “what if” spirals will only fuel struggles with anxiety? So, instead, consider trying out this next habit…

Sometimes, sitting with a “negative” thought is exactly what we need to do in order to process our emotions and move forward. That said, we don’t want to dwell on them too long, either. So, the next time one of these thoughts pop up, ask yourself: “Does this deserve my attention right now?”

This final habit is very similar to the last. When we fear the worst, we want to prepare as much as possible. But there is a difference between staying prepared and ruminating on worst-case scenarios to the point of being unhealthy.

It isn’t easy to change your mindset. But with time, patience, and a lot of self-compassion, you’d be amazed at how much progress you can make. Looking for more mental health advice? Maggie McCormack shares the life-changing “secret to happiness” that she learned after turning 30.

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!