Negative thoughts are a tricky thing. Despite the pain they cause, they are often hard to let go of. The negativity is like stepping on a tack. The sharp pin cuts through your shoe and digs into your foot. It causes you pain but you think if you keep walking, you’ll get used to it. Yet, the further you walk, the deeper the tack cuts and the greater damage it causes. Instead of getting used to the pain, it just hurts more.
Of course, you can pull out the tack and fix your injured foot. Letting go of negativity and freeing your mind isn’t so easy. Sometimes we convince ourselves that we deserve the pain.This is often the case if you’ve spent time dwelling on a past mistake, a bad decision or regret. Maybe you’ve been beating yourself up for years over it, letting that negativity fester and grow. Sometimes negativity is hard-wired in the brain. If you suffer from depression and anxiety, or consider yourself a particularly sensitive individual, you may be easily consumed with negative thoughts that feel almost impossible to get rid of.
Regardless of why you’re stuck on negative thoughts, there are some things you can do to ease the mental burden and discover more positivity in your life.
1. FORGIVE YOURSELF
Does your negativity stem from a past event or decision? Did you hurt someone, embarrass yourself, miss an opportunity? We all make mistakes. It’s part of being human. Instead of feeling guilty or regretful, treat yourself with compassion. Your mistake is a chance to learn and do better. Fix what you can but accept what you cannot repair. Then, forgive yourself and make the decision to move on.
2. MEDITATION
Sometimes negative thoughts just creep in, bringing pain and sadness. When these thoughts appear out of the blue and drag us down, the negativity is in control. Meditation can help you take back that control. Through meditation, we practice clearing our minds and pushing away the negative thoughts so that we may learn to do this anytime the negativity tries to take over.
3. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE
If we want to get rid of negativity, we have to start replacing it with positivity. Spend time thinking about the positive things in your life—the things you like about yourself, the people you love, the activities that bring you joy, and even just the simple things like a bed to sleep in and food to eat. Keep a gratitude journal so you can reflect on the positive when you’re feeling down.
4. HELP OTHERS
Take the focus off yourself for a while and give your time to someone in need. It could be a friend with a favor, a family member you know needs help with a chore, or volunteering in the community. Helping other people has an uplifting effect that gives us a sense of pride and accomplishment.
5. BREAK UP WITH TOXIC PEOPLE
Sometimes we’re consumed with our own negativity and sometimes that negativity is the result of a toxic influence in our lives. Do you have a close friend or loved one who is constantly negative? Do they complain non-stop, criticize you or others, create drama, or exhibit some other form of chronically negative behavior? It may be time to reconsider the relationship. Negativity can be contagious!
6. TALK TO SOMEONE
If you’re overwhelmed by negative thoughts and not sure where to turn, find someone to confide in. It may be a friend, family member, therapist or counsellor. If you’re seeking deeper insight into your mind, your past and your future, reach out to a spiritual advisor on Zodiac Psychics and get the answers you need to move beyond the negativity.
