How To Stop Negative Thoughts

And how to think positive, practice mindfulness, and control anger.

Negative thinking can be difficult to overcome, but there are steps you can take to help you learn how to stop negative thoughts. Negative thoughts can sometimes be overwhelming and can lead to anger if you’re not careful.

I will provide you with a few tips on how to cease negative thinking (including invasive thoughts), think positively, practice mindfulness, and control anger.

How to acknowledge negative thinking and control it

One of the most important things to do is to recognize when you’re having negative thoughts and then reframe those thoughts in a more positive way. For example, if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t do this,” try to think of something more positive, like “I can do this, and if I need help, I can ask.” Additionally, you can practice mindfulness in order to stay present in the moment, as this can help to keep negative thoughts at bay. Other strategies for combating negative and invasive thinking include talking to someone you trust, engaging in activities that make you feel good, and challenging yourself to think about the positive aspects of any situation.

Once a negative thought occurs, it’s usually followed by a string of additional negative thoughts. This is called “automatic negative thoughts” or ANTS. Yep, just like the insect. Once you see one ant in your kitchen, it will likely be followed by his buddies. If you break the trail, they disperse . It’s the same with your thoughts. When you have a negative thought you cease this by thinking “no”, -to break the trail, and follow it up with something positive. For example “I’m getting fat” can become, “I have gained weight, but I can work on that by making healthier choices starting today.” You can also practice the self assuring statement of “and that’s ok”.

“I made a mistake, and that’s ok.”

With practice and patience, you can learn how to stop negative thoughts and replace them with more positive ones.

How to think more positively

Thinking positively can be a challenge for many people, but it is an important skill to develop for a healthy and happy life. A few tips that may help you to think more positively include:

Focus on the good things. Whenever something happens, take a moment to think of the positive aspects of the situation.
Surround yourself with positive people. Spend time with people who have a positive outlook and share your positive thoughts with them.
Practice gratitude. Take a few moments each day to think of things that you are grateful for.
Exercise. Exercise releases endorphins that can help to improve your mood and make it easier to think positively.
Challenge negative thoughts. Whenever you catch yourself thinking negatively, stop and challenge that thought. Another method is to ask yourself if it is really true or if there is another perspective to consider.

How to practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness is a great way to become more aware and present in the moment. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Take a few moments each day to focus on your breathing. Notice the sensations as you inhale and exhale.
Notice the thoughts that come into your mind without judging them. Acknowledge them, then let them go.
Take time to observe your senses—what can you smell, hear, feel, and taste?
Spend time in nature and observe your surroundings.
Choose a few moments throughout the day to become aware of your body and how it feels.

Mindfulness is a practice that takes time and effort, but can be incredibly beneficial for your overall wellbeing.

How to control your anger

Controlling your anger can be difficult, but it is possible with the right techniques. One way to start is to recognize when you’re getting angry and take a few moments to pause and think before responding. My mentor introduced me to the “3 blink method”. When something negative is said to you, blink 3 times before you respond. This pause allows you more time to think (and gives the other person a moment to realize what was said). Although, you can’t control what happens on their end, you can control what comes out of your mouth.

Take a few slow, deep breaths and use positive self-talk to remind yourself that it’s okay to feel angry, but it’s important to not let it take over. Try to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques listed above. You could also try yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to help reduce your stress and anger. Additionally, it can help to find a physical activity that you enjoy, as this can help to redirect your energy and clear your mind. Finally, it can be beneficial to talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling, such as a friend, family member, a life coach, or therapist.

With a bit of practice, and a bit of patience, you can learn to think more positively and enjoy a healthier, happier life.