7 Methods to Get Rid of Negative Thoughts from Your Mind
Negative thoughts have the potential to ruin your life, goals, career, family and relationships. They can destroy the stability and peace of your life by making you doubt every single step you take. If you are unsure about yourself and are having negative thought patterns at every stage of your life, take these tips and learn how to get rid of them.
1. Two positive thoughts for every negative thought
Make it your personal policy to think about two positive things whenever a negative thought enters your mind. You can consider this to be a playful game or a punishment for yourself. Once you get into the habit of doing this, positive thoughts may automatically win over and dominate your negative thoughts.
2. Avoid mingling with negative people
Negativity usually tends to stem from two places– from your own mind and from other people. You may be getting negative thoughts by coming into contact with people who are pessimistic and cynical by nature. Avoid mingling with such people. Even if you don’t have the company of people who can motivate you, don’t compromise by spending time with the ones who spread negativity.
3. Keep yourself super busy
Sometimes you just can’t stop negative thoughts from entering your mind, no matter how much you tell your mind to reject them. To counter this, keep yourself busy in such a way that you have no time, interest or inclination to entertain negative thoughts. There is a popular saying that ‘an idle mind is a devil’s workshop’ and this is the reason why it has been said. Keep yourself busy so that your mind does not wander and think about negative thoughts.
4. Vent your negative thoughts to a loved one by writing or talking
It is important to undergo a cathartic process when your mind is overflowing with negativity. A method suggested by many experts to get rid of negative thoughts is to vent them whenever you feel that you can take no more. Pour out your negative thoughts to a close friend or write them down in a journal or a blog. Venting will ensure that you don’t burden your heart and mind with negativity and let it turn into bitterness and depression.
5. Meditate or control your negative thoughts by listening to good music
Creating a barrier for negative thoughts in your mind requires high level of self control and will power which you may not have by default. You can meditate, practice breathing techniques, listen to soothing music or engage yourself in activities that require you to focus and concentrate. This method may take time but it can help you get rid of negative thoughts in the longer run.
6. Analyze the cause of your negative thoughts
There has to be a reason why you are being plagued with negativity. Think about what you may have done in the past which could be giving rise to such a negative mindset. Meet a counselor or talk to a confidante to help you pin down a reason for all the negativity in your mind and heart. Only when you identify the core cause, will you be able to think about solutions to deal with it.