It starts with a feeling. Maybe it was something your friend said. But, then it begins dragging you down. That pressure in the chest makes you anxious, worried, and aimless. Sometimes it even forces you to feel sorry for yourself. Eventually, it becomes a dark cloud that lingers above your head. The question is, how to stop negative thinking? How can you turn these negative thoughts into positive feelings?  Here, we will answer all your questions for you. We’ve prepared five handy strategies on how to change negative thinking to positive. They will help you to topple that negativity and live a happier life. This is how you can make that happen and why it matters.

Why Stop Negative Thoughts?

There is more to negativity than it meets the eye. Based on reports from the National Science Foundation, a typical individual has around 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts a day. Of all them, 95% are repetitive, and 80% are negative.  Before you can figure out how to stop negative thinking, you need to know why it matters. Research shows, these emotions and thoughts can take a toll on your mental health. They are closely linked to dementia.  Clinical trials estimate that repetitive negativity is a vital sign of dementia. Such prolonged emotions expose people to Alzheimer’s. If you know how to stop negative thoughts, you will increase the odds of avoiding dementia or other health problems. This will be a beneficial strategy for the long run.  Young man with negative thoughts

How to Stop Negative Thinking?

Multiple strategies exist that are meant to break the pattern of negativity. All that imaginary drama we create in our minds can be controlled and managed. Once you get the hang of these tactics, you will be able to stabilise those emotions and thoughts. Here is how. 

1. Shift the Perspective

When the negativity becomes a burden, you need something that will lift the weight of your shoulders. That’s when shifting the perspective can come in handy. To do that, take a piece of paper and list all the sources for your negativity. Analyze your thoughts and leave no stone unturned. Write down the: Fears, losses, insecurities, stressors, irritants Then, make a different list right next to the first one and write the positive things associated with each negative thought. For example:
  • You are afraid of failure, list the experiences in your life you’ve gained after failing. 
  • If you have insecurities, write down all the ways you’ve managed to improve over the years. 
  • You had a breakup that’s weighing you down, write down all the good times you’ve spent together.
Focus the attention on the positive feelings instead of holding on to the negative ones. Try to make it a habit, and you will overcome every boundary. 

2. Try Meditation

Meditation has always been the go-to choice for relaxing and easing the mind. It’s a handy strategy that can help you avoid negative thinking. This method allows people to treasure the moment and achieve inner peace. For someone who has always been clouded by their negativity, meditation can be immensely useful. 

3. Be Responsible for Your Actions, Don’t Play the Victim

Depending on others from time to time is a good thing. But when you put all the effort into someone else’s hands, you tend to get stuck. That’s because you’ve never tried solving your problems or taking responsibility. If that’s the case in your situation, it’s time for a change. The only way out is forward. 

4. Choose Positive People to Spend Time With

The more you surround yourself with negativity, the more it will pressure you down. The reason for that is relatively simple.  When we are surrounded by people who make us feel inadequate or anxious, negativity becomes a part of our daily lives. We don’t get positive feedback, feelings, and affirmations. Instead, they take us into a negative spiral that changes our perspective completely.  You can stop that by merely changing the circle of friends. Choose to hang out with those who make you smile and appreciate you being there. It’s a simple yet effective method to feel happy. 

5. Volunteer

If you don’t know how to help yourself, try helping someone else. Participate in charity events, volunteer, and help out those in need. By helping others, you will be able to move forward and embrace your past. 

When to Contact Mental Health Experts?

If you believe your mental health is spiralling out of control and that negativity has become a daily pattern, it’s best to contact a psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor, or a GP. When the emotional distress is interfering with your everyday life, that’s when you need help. Experts can help diagnose your burdens and give you the support you need.  Depressed Man Thinking About Problems Sitting In Bed Indoors

Private Mental Health Clinics UK That Can Help

Whether you need an assessment, treatment, or evaluation, you can rely on experts to give you the aid you need. If you live in the UK, here are a few mental health clinics that you might be interested in: They all have a team of experts and programs tailored to their patients’ needs. They can help treat the nervous system and get it back on track. No matter the difficulty you face. 

Conclusion

All the negative thinking and emotions can become draining. But, once you figure out the tactics to manage it, you can be much happier and confident in your skin. The tactics we listed here can help you achieve precisely that. If you don’t think you can handle it on your own, ask for help. Many experts will be willing to work with you. Just keep working on your emotional well-being; it will be worth it.