How to Challenge Negative Thinking
We've all had those low moments. We all know how it feels when our minds are clouded with negative thoughts with no shed of light to help us escape and that nobody in the world can understand how you're feeling. Yes, we all know that feeling too well but there are ways to stop thinking like that. Of course, there isn't a magical cure to get rid of negative thoughts forever but there are ways to challenge them to help you be happy again. Here is a list of tips to help you challenge those negative thoughts!
TIPS:
Nobody is perfect, everyone makes mistakes now and again, so try not to be a perfectionist or set goals that are too high a hurdle.
- Remind yourself that nobody is perfect
2. Make a list
Quite often, people find that making lists of all the positive sides of things that are getting them down, helps them feel better and can help them to focus on the cheerier side of it. Maybe even make a list of how wonderful a person you are! If you get stuck for ideas, just ask someone and I'm sure they will have plenty of great things to say about you!
3. Socialise with happy people
Psychologists have noted that if a person, feeling low, hangs around with people of a happier nature, it can help the one that is low, brighten up and forget about their negative thoughts.
4. Take up a new hobby
If you're left alone with your thoughts for too long, it can be emotionally damaging. Perhaps take up a new hobby. You could learn a new language, learn how to knit, start a collection of things, re-arrange flowers, paintballing, make jewellery, do gardening, bake, go hiking, go canoeing - whatever takes your interest! NOTE: Being active also helps to release Happy Endorphins, making you happy! Does exercising for a while remind you of a familiar happy feeling?
http://www.alwayshobbies.com/ - An online store that you can buy materials from, for your hobby interest!
http://www.stormthecastle.com/the-list-of-hobbies.htm - A huge list of hobbies and interests!
5. Keep a 'Negative Thoughts Log'
Whenever your mind is suffering from negative thoughts, just whip out your 'Negative Thoughts Log' and write it down! It's recommended that you also note down what caused the negative thought/s so that when you are in a better mood, you can come back to the thought and try to ask yourself if there is a better way of looking at it. Psychologists say that writing down your emotions in a diary can help you reduce the intensity of your emotions. ---------------> http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/feb/15/psychology-usa
6. Talk to someone about it
This can be a quick-fix for those who are needing help or are trying to figure out what to do about something. Try not to bottle it up completely. Perhaps try talking to someone you trust to not spread your problems to other people. Perhaps they can give you a new perspective of the situation and make you feel much better. There are people who are professionals in this area and can give you great advice when you need it.
7. Remember that you are not the only one feeling this way
There are 7 Billion people in this world - lots of people will have been in the same position as you or are in the same position as you. Perhaps try speaking to someone that you know has been in the same position/ or are in the same position, whether they are a friend, colleague or family member, they love you and will want to help you out in the best way that they can.
8. Read a good book
If you're one of those people who likes to read books, this one may be for you. It's great when you can be lured into a fantasy world by a good book, and you can forget about reality. Reading not only helps you forget about your own life for a while and is very entertaining; it can also improve your imagination and creativity skills. Sneaky! :P
9. Do a good deed
Look at your friends and family (or even that one woman in the grocery store, that tuts at the contents of your trolley and gives you eyerolls), and ask yourself, 'Could they use a hand?' It truly is a great feeling when you can help someone out, and it's a nice feeling, too, when someone takes out time from their day just to help you out. Even if you don't like that person too much, it's always nice to do a good deed!
10. Go for a walk
Going for a walk to the park or to the local high street, can be very beneficial because it can help you clear your mind and the fresh air is good for you! Fresh air, clear thinking and exercise, all in one!
11. Listen to positive music
We all love a bit of a rave to good music! So, next time you're listening to music on your ipod, change the track to one you can dance to! Turn up those good tunes on the radio! This can really increase your mood and make you feel much better.
12. Have some 'you' time
Take time out in the day to make some for yourself. Relax on the comfy couch and take a nap, paint your nails a different colour, style your hair differently, play some videogames, read a magazine or newspaper - whatever you want to do.
13. How 'bout a change in scenery?
Most of us don't realise that colours can have a big impact on our moods and what we do. Psychologists have noted that people in a round surrounded with calm and relaxed colours, produce better brain power and can help us to thing more clearly. Perhaps paint over that angry red wall and replace it with a happy and relaxed 'meadow green' or change those orange curtains for a nice, calm 'Baby Blue'.
"Dark Colors lower stress and increase feelings of peacefulness. | |
Bright Colors such as red, orange, and yellow spark energy and creativity. They can also increase aggressive and nervous behavior."  |
http://mistupid.com/psych/color.htm <------------- A good website that can explain what each colour can do to your brain activity and blood levels, etc.
14. Watch some good ol' trashy T.V. or a good comedy show.
If you're one for good ol' trashy t.v, this ons may be for you. Every now and then we just want to relax a bit of trashy T.v. So, get yourself all cosied up on your favourite seat in the house, and watch your favourite trashy program either, by yourself or with a loved one. Or you could even watch a good ol' comedy show and let the barrel of laughs flow!
15. Eat a banana
As crazy as it sounds, bananas have been proven to make us happier because they "convert our sad emotions into serotonin -- the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter". They also do many other things that are great for us - you'd be surprised! Have you ever seen an unhappy Monkey?
eat a banana (releases happy endorphins (check name))
http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/25-powerful-reasons-to-eat-bananas - 25 Great Reasons As To Why You Should Eat Bananas
I hope these 15 tips come of use to you! Just remember: Every cloud has a silver lining! :) ~ Heather
I own none of these images.
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