This is a gentle guide on how to stop being negative once and for all and take control over the direction of your thoughts.
During numerous self-reflections over cups of coffee and green tea, I’ve come to accept that negative thoughts are a part of life.
We can’t maintain an evergreen happy and positive state of mind, and that’s okay.
Life is made up of both the dark and the light.
You can and should try to direct yourself toward positivity and learn to be gentle instead of wary of your not-so-good thoughts.
But what’s not okay is being stuck in a cycle of negative thinking for so long that you can’t even tell your negative thoughts apart from your pure ones.
That is a warning sign, and something that should be worked upon with patience and calmness, something I hope to help you with through this post.
How To Know If You’re Being Negative
You know you’re dealing with a big ball of negative energy when you are underconfident and are making scared decisions left and right.
Simple things such as saying no to plans because you don’t like the way you look, not starting anything new because nothing makes you feel good anyway, and avoiding self-care as if it’s the plague.
You might also become doubtful of your abilities, fret over the future, and obsess over how life would’ve been if you’d done something differently in the past.
Yeah, not a fun ride at all.
For some people, these phases come and go in waves. But for some, thinking negatively becomes a part of their identity.
As someone who was once a massive negative thinker, I know how hard this habit can be for you (and honestly, the people around you.)
Growing up, my mental space was always a treacherous slope.
But ever since I started this blog and began creating wellness content, I’ve been more and more inspired to be in a better space of mind.
One of the things I’ve slowly managed to detangle is my tendency to be negative, and the steps I took to make this happen are simpler than you might think.
In this post, you’ll find 9 tips on how to stop being negative and find the true version of you that you are underneath all the pessimistic and discouraging thoughts.
Read on.
9 Ways To Stop Being Negative For Good
1. Limit Exposure to Negative Influences
To some extent, negative thinking is the result of our own inner workings, and we might not always have control over how we feel.
However, negative thoughts are also caused by negative influences, which you have a lot of control over.
You need to start by limiting your social media usage, because let’s admit it, that thing could be the reason behind a big chunk of your negativity.
One second you are feeling amazing, but a single harmless post could turn a good day into a bad one.
It used to happen to me all the time when I was super chitty-chatty online, which is why now I am not on any interactive platforms.
You can also save your mental health some trouble by reducing your exposure to negative news, or simply changing the way you get your daily dose of news.
Maybe just skim through the headlines and avoid diving into the content?
Do regular digital media detox, especially before bed every night and on the weekends.
And any person who gives you the heebie-jeebies should also be kept at arm’s length.
Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do to create boundaries and protect your inner peace.
Related post: 11 Habits That Affect Your Mental Health Negatively
2. Less Complaining, More Gratitude
Gratitude is the best anecdote against negative thoughts, but it’s also one of the easily missed habits.
The world these days isn’t really focused on gratitude. Everything is fast and busy and at times, all too easy and accessible.
It’s become normal to complain when even the smallest things aren’t going your way.
You might not feel grateful to have the little joys in life like trees, sunlight, and a cup of coffee, but you absolutely should.
Imagine not being able to feel the touch of a fresh breeze on your face, or not being able to hug a loved one.
Your life is full of reasons to be content and grateful. So, instead of complaining, reframe your thoughts through gratitude.
Take 5 minutes each day to list down things you are grateful for, count your blessings before going to bed, and practice mindfulness meditation to be more aware of your surroundings.
Complaining less and being more grateful might just be the way to put a lid on your negative thoughts.
3. Stop Chasing Unmet Expectations
These days, I’ve been choosing to put my unfulfilled goals to rest until I’m in a better frame of mind to approach them.
And this has really been a mood-changer for me.
Earlier, I’d feel like a big failure for failing to meet my own expectations.
But now, I’ve come to realize that if I am killing myself running after something, it’s just not worth it.
Unless I can teach myself to walk toward my goals instead of barrelling like a train, I don’t want to move in its direction at all.
The weight of failed expectations is so heavy that we don’t even stop to acknowledge the things that are going our way.
Your entire being can become hyper-aware of unmet expectations, leading to negativity and a lack of satisfaction from life.
The only solution to deal with it? Just stop.
Stop re-setting the same expectations over and over again, and instead redirect your energy toward new and simpler challenges that can bring you closer to your best self.
Recommended: 30 Wonderful Things To Love About Life
4. Practice Self-Care Everyday
Gift yourself the joy of daily self-care, and your mind will reward you with positive and nourishing thoughts.
You can consider it a way of doing a clean sweep of your mental health on an everyday basis.
Start your day with a positive mindset by dedicating a few minutes to mindfulness or meditation.
This will set a powerful tone for the day and help you stay present and centered.
Throughout the day, make a conscious effort to take short breaks to stretch, breathe deeply, or enjoy a calming cup of tea.
Prioritize physical self-care by eating nourishing meals, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular exercise, even if it’s a short walk.
And please, make time for hobbies and activities that bring you true joy, the kind you felt when you were a cute little kid.
In the evening, wind down with a relaxing ritual like reading, journaling, or a warm bath.
These are perfect bedtime rituals that will help you reduce stress and let go of your negative thoughts.
Finally, ensure you get enough quality sleep to prepare your mind and body for the next day.
These tips might seem like a lot, but once you get started, they will blend seamlessly into your routine and even become the highlights of your day.
5. Spend Some Quality Time Alone
Most of my negative thinking used to happen when I was alone with my thoughts.
I’d be riding the subway, staring at the stations pass by, and not even be aware of the moment as my mind conjured all kinds of negative future scenarios.
This is what happens when you don’t know how to be alone with your thoughts.
The most positive people in life are really good at spending time by themselves.
Throw them in a room with a good book and some coffee, and they’ll step out in some hours smiling, looking like their most rejuvenated self.
I was the worst at making time for things that made me happy, but this past year, I was able to prioritize this need, and it’s one of the biggest changes that led to me being more positive.
Do things that bring you joy and peace every day, whether that’s painting your nails, curling up with a book, or journaling your thoughts.
The more comfortable you are in your own presence, the easier it’ll be for you to redirect your negative thoughts when they come knocking.
Bookmark now: 51 Best Solo Date Ideas To Make You Love Yourself
6. Connect With Nature For Positivity
Nature is the best healer in every sense of the word.
Whether it’s a short walk in the park or simply sitting in your garden, nature can have a calming effect on the mind that lasts long after you are back indoors.
When I am out for my daily walks, my negative thoughts go extremely quiet.
There is no space for self-doubts or toxicity in the green presence in trees and under the vast blue sky.
I know you probably have a busy schedule with hundreds of things or thoughts demanding your attention, but if possible, make some time for nature-filled activities.
After watering your plants, sit for 5 minutes with them and just talk. You’ll be surprised how good of a listener the baby trees are.
Catch the first rays of the morning, and spend some nights on the rooftop looking at the stars.
Let the grounding presence of nature remind you that there is power in stillness, and positivity can be everlasting if you know how to tap into it.
7. Challenge Your Most Persistent Negative Thoughts
Most of the time, I don’t spend much energy analyzing my negative thoughts.
One positive affirmation often does the job of making me realize the truth behind my pessimistic feelings.
But some negative thoughts are recurring.
They could be about someone in your life, a situation you are in, or something old that is better off being left in the past.
Whenever you catch yourself stuck in a certain negative thought cycle, pause and challenge those thoughts.
Ask yourself if they are based on facts or if they are assumptions or interpretations.
Create journal entries for self-reflection, and look up articles regarding that particular problem to find relatability.
Sounds like cliche advice but it really helps.
Don’t miss: 30 Cleansing Affirmations To Release Negative Energy
8. Positive Visualization
Positive visualization is something I’ve started doing only recently, but it’s proven to be a gem of a practice for manifesting positivity.
Find a quiet and comfortable space, close your eyes, and vividly imagine your desired positive outcomes.
Use all your senses to create a detailed mental picture of your success, happiness, or achievement.
Feel the emotions associated with this positive scenario, and allow yourself to feel unhindered joy, confidence, and satisfaction.
Instead of visualization success-related outcomes, you can also focus on manifesting your emotions.
I’ve been aiming to be calmer and more grounded in myself, so that’s the version of me that I visualize during my practice.
I imagine myself reacting softly and calmly to situations that might overwhelm me, and when I come back to reality, I feel like I actually am that person.
Repeat your visualizations regularly, ideally daily, to reinforce positive thinking and reprogram your subconscious mind.
9. Stay Flexible
I was a sour person when it came to adapting to life. I wanted everything to go my way, which is understandable, but highly unrealistic.
If you are constantly allowing yourself to get disappointed at every setback, it’s going to trigger your negative thoughts into action.
That’s why it’s very important to stay flexible, especially in today’s world, where nothing is certain and everything is changing rapidly.
To become more flexible in life, begin by acknowledging that change is inevitable and that rigid expectations often lead to disappointment and negativity.
Practice open-mindedness by considering alternative viewpoints and approaches to challenges.
Cultivate resilience by viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than personal failures.
Develop problem-solving skills to address unexpected situations with confidence, and create a flexible plan that allows for adjustments as your circumstances evolve.
Might help: How To Embrace Change In Life – 8 Tips For A Graceful Transition
Make Way For A More Positive You
Remember that overcoming negativity is a gradual process, and setbacks are normal.
Be patient with yourself and keep working on these tips to cultivate a more positive and fulfilling life.
Focus more on what makes you happy, and less on what makes you unfulfilled. Because in the end, you are what you think and choose to believe.
Read next: How To Worry Less And Smile More – 8 Tips To Be More Free
You just discovered 9 fresh tips on how to stop being negative? Got anything you’d like to add? Thoughts, suggestions, and insights are always welcome in the comment box.
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