At first glance, it would seem that positive thinking and anxiety have nothing to do with one another. But many of us develop negative thinking patterns because we become frustrated by our challenges and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed. The more intense the pressure, the more anxiety builds, which can taint our outlook. This negative outlook then makes it even harder for us to manage those challenges and move forward in such a productive way that we feel good about it.
Practicing positive thinking (even when we are NOT feeling positive at all!) allows us to focus on our strengths and accomplishments, which increases happiness and motivation. It may not feel that way at first, but they say “fake it ’til you make it baby”! The more you consciously choose to replace a negative thought with two positive ones, a shift will happen within. This, in turn, allows us to spend more time making progress, and less time feeling down and stuck. The following tips provide practical suggestions that you can use to help you shift into more positive thinking patterns:
1. Take Good Care Of Yourself
It’s much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest. Don’t forget pleeenty of water daily!
2. Remind Yourself Of The Things You Are Grateful For
Stresses and challenges don’t seem quite as bad when you are constantly reminding yourself of the things that are right in life. Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a huge difference. Say, “I am grateful now that… [A. B. C.] and feel so happy those wishes/goals came true. Thank you!”
3. Look For The Proof Instead of Making Assumptions
A fear of not being liked or accepted sometimes leads us to assume that we know what others are thinking, but our fears are usually not reality. If you have a fear that a friend or family member’s bad mood is due to something you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you when you turn your back, speak up and ask them. Don’t waste time worrying that you did something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about!
4. Refrain from Using Absolutes
Have you ever told a partner “You’re ALWAYS late!” or complained to a friend “You NEVER call me!”? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like ‘always’ and ‘never’ makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.
5. Detach From Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts can’t hold any power over you if you don’t judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don’t follow it. For every negative thought that pops into your head, reject it and replace it with TWO good thoughts!!
6. Squash The “ANTs”
In his book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” Dr. Daniel Amen talks about “ANTs” – Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like “Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me,” or “The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!” When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!
7. Practice Lovin’, Touchin’ & Squeezin’ (Your Friends and Family)
You don’t have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up. One research study on this subject had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She received higher tips from these customers than from the ones she didn’t touch! And also, studies show people who have pets live an average of 7 years longer in life! Go pet your dog!;)
8. Increase Your Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way! who you hang out with is a direct reflection of how you feel about yourself! And they also directly influenced where you’re going (or not going!) in life!
9. Volunteer For An Organization, Or Help Another Person
Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.
10. Use Pattern Interrupts To Combat Rumination
If you find yourself ruminating, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different. Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It’s never productive, because it’s not rational or solution-oriented, it’s just excessive worry. Try changing your physical environment – go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.
So when you feel the pressure weighing heavy, expectations too high, stress wearing you out, and the anxiety crippling you with negative thoughts, STOP. Close your eyes, and breathe. Focus on “first things first” and getting done the next appropriate thing. Don’t look at the overwhelming bigger picture, instead take it one step at a time. Inch by inch it’s a cinch! Yard by yard, it’s hard baby! When you find yourself getting sucked down into the pit, use some (or all) of these ideas to reclaim your life, regain your personal power, and restore balance! Stand strong in your core loves, you got this!
Be well,
Leanne ♥
English
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