Everyone you know has had at least one negative thought. Granted, some people have more of them than others. Sometimes negative thinking overrides positive thoughts and wreaks havoc on your life. Understanding how to change negative thinking can feel like an overwhelming process. However, with a few simple steps, you can be on your way to decreasing the impact of negative thinking.
This blog post will discuss where these negative thought cycles come from and how to stop them. Additionally, it will reveal healthy coping skills that can help you continue to change your negative thinking. Finally, the blog post will provide suggestions on how to get involved as an alumnus at The Guest House.
How Did I Get Into the Cycle of Thinking Negatively?
Throughout life, you will encounter many highs and lows. Some moments may give you incredible feelings of euphoria and other moments will give you a sense of doom. It is completely normal to go through the cycles of life. Sometimes when you’re feeling a sense of doom it is easy to push that feeling down and not acknowledge that it exists. However, avoiding those thoughts and feelings can cause them to intensify.
Negative thinking often makes you feel that you are not good enough or will never succeed. Although common, these types of thoughts can become an ongoing internal monologue and change the way you see yourself and the world. Understanding where these thoughts come from can help you manage them and change your negative thinking cycles. More often than not, these thoughts originate from past experiences. The following are four ways to decrease your negative thinking.
#1. Change Negative Thinking by Acknowledging the Thoughts
You cannot change something if you do not acknowledge that it exists. To change negative thinking, you have to acknowledge that it is happening. It may help to think of your negative thoughts as a puppy. If you ignore a whimper of a puppy it will turn into a bark until you give it attention. That is how the negative thinking cycle works. The thoughts will continue to grow stronger each time when they are not acknowledged. To resolve this, you need to become more mindful of your thoughts.
Find a quiet space. Whether that space is in nature, the bathroom, your office, or the bedroom, find a place to relax. Acknowledge the present moment by breathing in through your nostrils and out through your mouth. Notice if any negative thoughts are hanging around in your mind. At first, just notice the thoughts. Say hello to them.
Now, pay attention to how your body feels. What does your body feel like as you acknowledge those thoughts? Then breathe in positivity and breathe out negative thinking. This is called mindful breathing and it can decrease your tendency toward negative thinking.
#2. Change Negative Thinking With Journaling
You can also get all those negative thoughts out of your head by writing them down on paper. Journaling your thoughts and feelings can have a positive effect on your mental state. Think of a journal as a dump truck of your emotions. As soon as you get those feelings out, they are smashed into the landfill and buried. Journaling can create a release that you crave and need in your recovery.
According to JMIR Mental Health, writing down your thoughts and feelings can have a positive effect on anxiety and depression. Journaling is an excellent tool for releasing those negative feelings. A journaling practice allows thoughts to be on paper instead of carrying them with you daily.
#3. Practice Gratitude to Change Negative Thinking
The truth is that negative thinking is there to protect humans. These thoughts alert us when something is dangerous and give us warning signs when something is “off.” Oddly, negative thinking could be a positive thing. If these thoughts were not present, we would not have protection. Rather than be annoyed that they are present, we can change negative thinking and practice gratitude. It might sound strange, but you can thank the negative thoughts for being present and trying to protect you.
When overloaded by negative thinking, take time to practice meditation and sit with these thoughts. You will not eliminate these thoughts immediately. However, over time, you will see a change in how your negative thinking affects you.
#4. Leave Your Negative Thoughts in Nature
Life can be stressful. When you’re stuck in a negative thought process, your reality becomes smaller. Stepping outside of your mental chatter can help you change your negative thoughts during recovery. For example, write your negative thoughts in the sand and watch the ocean wash them away. If you do not live by an ocean, you can put negative thoughts on a piece of paper and destroy or bury them.
No matter where you leave the negative thoughts, this is where they will stay. You get to choose where they are left so you can make space for new positive thoughts.
Clearing Out the Negative Thoughts at The Guest House
Located on a green pasture is the gorgeous residence called The Guest House. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, this piece of serenity will have you connecting deeply with yourself and changing your negative thoughts. The Guest House is made up of dynamic professionals who understand how negative thoughts can impact your recovery. Our clinicians understand how addiction can affect your life and relationships. The mission of The Guest House is to see you thrive in every part of your life.
Changing negative thoughts can be an overwhelming experience. No matter where you are at on your journey, though, there is hope. Negative thoughts protect and guide you to help you determine what is beneficial or harmful in your life. However, sometimes these thoughts are overwhelming and you just need a break from them. Incorporating healthy coping skills can be just what you need to minimize those negative thoughts. If you or someone you know struggles with negative thoughts, please do not hesitate to call (855) 483-7800. Your recovery is our main priority. We can help you learn more about how to decrease your negative thoughts and use healthy coping skills to keep them at bay.