What Are Negative Thought Patterns and How Can You Stop Them?
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are your own worst enemy”. Many people tend to be self-critical, and you might be harder on yourself than you are with others. While those issues aren’t uncommon in small doses, they can become problematic when you’re dealing with consistent negative thought patterns.
Negative thought patterns are harmful and damaging thoughts that you can’t seem to get rid of. You might have specific triggers that cause them to remain in your head, or you might have a hard time focusing on anything but negativity.
Unfortunately, these patterns can lead to a variety of mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to put a stop to negative thought patterns, making it easier to shift your mind to a more positive perspective.
Be More Mindful
One of the best ways to put a stop to negative thought patterns is to ground yourself in the present.
Mindfulness is a centuries-old practice that continues to grow in popularity today, thanks to how effective it is. If you start to notice negative thoughts creeping in, close your eyes and focus on taking slow, deep breaths. Think about the present, and nothing else. Tune into your senses to consider what you smell, hear, and feel.
Grounding yourself in the present makes it more difficult for anxious thoughts like regrets of the past or worries about the future to take hold. You’ll be facing reality, rather than the distorted version of what your negative thoughts want you to consider.
Develop a Growth Mindset
Negative thought patterns don’t happen overnight. So, think about what you can do to change your negative mindset into a positive one over time.
One way to do that is by fostering a growth mindset. Set small goals for yourself, and celebrate your victories when you reach them. The more you achieve, the more your self-confidence will grow. You’ll realize that you’re stronger than any negative thought that might threaten to take over.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is important for everyone. But, if you’re dealing with negative thought patterns, making self-care practices a part of your daily routine can make a big difference in how you think and feel.
There are some misconceptions that self-care has to be lavish or take a lot of time. Nothing could be further from the truth. Everything from exercising to journaling to cooking healthy meals for yourself are all forms of self-care.
Even if you can only find a few minutes each day to do something solely dedicated to your well-being, make it happen. Self-care practices reduce stress and anxiety, and can quiet down the negative thoughts that have been plaguing you.
Interrupt Your Thoughts
Sometimes, all it takes is a disruption in your thought patterns to make them go away. The next time a negative thought takes hold, try to hit “pause” before letting it grow. Ask yourself what triggered the thought. Where did it come from? What does it want you to believe?
By interrupting the thought and asking some serious questions about its legitimacy, you’ll take away its power. You’ll be more likely to focus on reality, and realize that your negative thought patterns are lying to you.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to do any of this on your own. Breaking the cycle of negative thinking isn’t easy, and even considering it might sound overwhelming. Working with a mental health professional is a great way to let go of some of that weight. Therapy will help you develop a better understanding of where your thoughts are coming from, and give you more insight into how you can stop them.
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