Understanding Negative Thoughts in Mind

Before we get to how we can reduce the impact that negative thoughts have on us, and how we can replace them, it is important to understand how these negative thoughts manifest in our minds and the different ways we experience negative thoughts. 

As the pressures of personal, family or professional responsibilities mount, we often don’t take time to identify our negative thoughts, and thus, we are left feeling sad or anxious. One of the common ways in which negative thoughts engulf our minds is by adding increased expectations of ourselves. 

We tend to start picturing ourselves as failures and not as someone who is capable of achieving our dreams. Remember, these are distortions the brain can create when we feel an overwhelming wave of negative emotions and negative thinking patterns. 

‍

We may also find ourselves jumping to conclusions and fearing the worst in various situations. This feeling that every situation will only lead to the worst possible outcome is a telltale sign of increased negative thoughts. 

When we experience certain negative experiences, we also start associating them with other aspects of life and tell ourselves that a positive outcome is unlikely, even if circumstances are vastly different. 

This can vastly affect our self-worth, and as we find ourselves in this position, it is possible that we apply increased pressure to perform or turn things around quickly. This constant negotiation between blaming ourselves for things supposedly going wrong and expecting ourselves to fix the situation often leads to anxiety and frustration. 

By identifying the way our negative thoughts are expressed, we can thus understand our own patterns, and find the appropriate means to counter them. It helps us pause for a moment, and accept that these thoughts are real, but also that we have the power to address them. 

Simple Steps to Overcome Negative Thoughts

Try to focus on gratitude: It is difficult to avoid situations that trigger negative thoughts, but during the good moments, it is important to find appreciation and gratitude, to create a balanced emotional state. Every challenge is worth fighting, and every moment of happiness is worth celebrating. 

Stop when you identify it: Now that we have achieved improved clarity on how to identify some common negative thoughts, try to pause for a second and tell yourself to stop processing these unhelpful emotions. Familiarizing yourself with these common patterns helps you stop your flow of thought immediately. 

Look to apply logic: When confronted with a wave of negative emotions, we tend to suspend our logical side, and that is normal. However, when you find yourself associating negative thoughts with everyday situations or interactions, ask yourself if it is the logical way of going about it. This may be exactly what you need when you are doubting yourself. 

Connect with your previous positive experiences: Continued negative thoughts over a period of time can often cloud our perception of self. During these times, it is often helpful to remind yourself that you are capable of being happy. Reflect on your favorite memories from childhood onwards and try to reconnect with your interests, passions, friends and more. 

Connect with your body: In our constant battle with our pessimistic thoughts, our body’s requirements take a back seat. We tend to experience issues with breathing, movement and more in this time. So, taking a step to move outdoors, or perform activities and sports can be very helpful in bringing your focus back and gaining a sense of progress or achievement. 

Open up about your feelings: As with any mental health concern, having your loved ones around you, and being able to share your troubles with them can significantly contribute to your positive mental well-being. Simply having an outlet will help you get things off your chest and gain clarity. It also reinforces that you don’t have to go through this alone. 

Speak with a therapist: While various tips have proven beneficial to alleviate the negative outcomes of unhelpful feelings and thoughts, a mental health professional is best equipped to provide personalized support and guidance that are catered to your unique needs. Therapy facilitates a safe, no-judgment discussion with an expert, allowing you to express freely and undergo a well-planned programme filled with science backed mental health practices. If you would like to share your concerns with negative thoughts, feel free to reach out to our experts at Cadabams today: