Don’t Let Your Negative Thoughts Drown You: Here’s what to do
How do you come out of the whirlpool of negative thoughts? Let’s dive in
Lately, I’ve been having a hard time focussing on my work. No matter what I do there’s this voice in my head that keeps me distracted. some days are harder than others and sometimes it’s difficult to fall asleep. I don’t know if it’s just me or if you also feel the same.
I don’t know who needs to hear this but listen to whoever reading this you’re not alone.
It’s so important to keep your mental health in check. we often are so busy in our daily routines that we completely forget the resistance caused by this negative voice.
How do we stop the chatter in our heads to live more peacefully? Trust me I have tried everything.
Here are my 5 ways to combat negativity
1. Take some fresh air ( How about taking a long walk)
Involving some sort of physical activity in your routine will help slow down the negative chatter in your head. Take some fresh air in and try deep breathing. for me, this always works. Tuning into my favorite podcast and taking a long walk in nature. it takes off my mind from the daily hustle and bustle and gives me some time to relax.
These days my go-to podcast is Jay Shetty's On Purpose. (not sponsored).
2. Journalling
Writing is yet another way I get negative thoughts and confusion out of my head. I love how writing provides clarity to my mind. from an unorganized cluttered head to a clear and open mind. writing does make a difference.
whenever I feel low, lost, or all negative I always turn down to write everything that's disturbing my mind.
3. Affirmations
You all know how big a fan I’m of affirmations.
Affirmations are positive thoughts you tell yourself possibly right after waking up or before sleeping. It does work. It changes your subconscious mind. Better yet if you could visualize as you start your affirmations. You must believe strongly in whatever you’re affirming, believe it's true.
Affirmations are part of my daily morning routine for the past 2 years now. Every time I feel my thinking getting clouded by negative thoughts I take a deep breath and divert my mind from negative to positive thoughts like…
For eg-
I consciously choose to focus on happy thoughts.
I’m grateful for all the love that flows to me.
I’m healthy and filled with joy.
I’m so aligned everything works around me.
4. Meditate
It always helps. 15–20 mins of meditation in the morning do give you a fresh start to your day. It calms you down and provides you with a clear headspace setting a tone for your entire day.
5. Be kind to yourself
The methods above will only be helpful if we show ourselves self-compassion. don't be too hard on yourself. It always starts with accepting negative thoughts. give it a tight hug and take a pause. My rule is to accept, analyze, and then substitute.
first, you need to acknowledge that the negative thought exists, and accept it completely the more you avoid it the more it disturbs you. lastly, substitute it with a positive thought, affirmation, music, or a hobby.
Conclusion
Over the years these methods have worked best for me. everyone has their own way of tackling negativity. find out what works for you and put it into practice.
Lastly, Whenever you catch yourself going down this rabbit hole of negative thoughts, become conscious of the present moment. Bring your awareness to your present reality and observe the thoughts from a distance.
It’s good to remind yourself that you are much more than your thoughts and feelings.
