Did you know that the average person has around 70,000 thoughts per day, and of these, 80% are generally negative? That means that there can be a lot of negativity bombarding our minds at any given time. Even worse, a lot of people tend to hang onto these thoughts, letting them linger and ferment in their mind. This can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and more.
But the great news is that because we have the power of choice, that same thought process that leads us to focus on negativity can instead be used to clear out those beliefs and replace them with positive and uplifting ideas. In this article, we’ll be exploring different methods you can use to get rid of negative thoughts and take back control of your mind.
Why It’s Important to Get Rid of Negative Thoughts
Having control over your thoughts is vitally important to your overall physical and mental health. When unchecked, negative thoughts can lead to a downward spiral of self-doubt, anxiety, and fear. Those negative thoughts can also lead to an increase in stress and fatigue, since your body and brain are constantly trying to combat the toxic ideas, rather than using that energy on things that are important to you.
Negative thoughts can also wreak havoc on your motivation and ability to focus, as well as your ability to perform tasks in everyday life, such as making decisions and problem-solving. Finally, negativity often causes people to withdraw from friends and family, leading to isolation and loneliness.
That’s why it’s so important to get rid of negative thoughts, so that you can break free of the limiting beliefs and embrace a life of positivity.
How to Get Rid of Negative Thoughts
Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to eliminate negative thoughts from your mind. Here are some tried and true methods to help you break the cycle of self-sabotage:
- Challenge the Thought: Ask Yourself “Is this Thought True?”
One of the most effective techniques to get rid of negative thoughts is to take a good, hard look at what you’re thinking and ask yourself if it’s actually true. Many times, negative thoughts are built upon assumptions or a skewed perceptive of reality. By examining the thought and questioning whether or not it’s actually true, you can start making strides towards replacing it with more realistic and positive ideas.
- Use Affirmations
Another great way to disperse negative thoughts is to focus on affirmations instead. Affirmations are positive statements that you state out loud or in your mind to promote self-belief and weaken the power of doubt. Whenever you feel a negative thought creep up, say an affirmation in response, such as “I am capable of achieving my goals” or “I am worthy of happiness and success.”
- Train Your Mind with Meditation
Meditation is an incredibly effective tool for training your mind and transforming unhealthy thought patterns. Through consistent practice, it can help you gain control over your thoughts, allowing you to become more conscious of your thinking and the impact it’s having on your emotions and choices.
- Surround Yourself With Positivity
Spending time with positive and supportive people can be a great way to push away the effects of negative thoughts. Instead of being around people who are stuck in the same cycle of self-doubt and unhappiness, surround yourself with those who will provide emotional and mental nourishment. Try to have at least one positive person in your life that you can turn to when you feel your negative thoughts taking over.
- Celebrate Small Wins
Finally, one of the most important things to do when it comes to getting rid of negative thoughts is to celebrate your small wins. Taking time to recognize a task that you’ve completed or a goal that you achieved can fuel your motivation and further your positivity. Show yourself love and appreciation for all that you do, instead of focusing on the mistakes.
Negative thoughts are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean that you’re powerless over them. By using the techniques outlined in this article, you can start to get rid of those negative thoughts for good and reclaim your power. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed with negativity, remember that you have the strength and the tools available to you to fight back.
