Effective ways to change negative thoughts into positive thoughts
Effective ways to change negative thoughts into positive thoughts
The human mind is the home of thoughts. Our thoughts determine our emotions, behavior and ultimately the direction of life. When there are positive thoughts in the mind, the person lives a confident, energetic and happy life. In contrast, negative thoughts make a person weak, anxious, dissatisfied and stressed.
Negative thoughts are a part of life, they cannot be completely eliminated, but they can be controlled and changed in a positive direction. This is the art of life – “Changing Negative Thinking to Positive Thinking”. Let us know some effective and practical ways by which we can make our thoughts positive.
Develop self-awareness
The first step to get rid of negative thoughts is to recognize yourself.
Thousands of thoughts come to our mind throughout the day. Many of these thoughts create unnecessary fear, anxiety and doubt.
Whenever a negative thought comes, notice it. Ask yourself – “Is this thought true?”, “Is it helping me or harming me?”
Make it a habit to write your thoughts in a diary. While writing, you will understand which thought is disturbing you and which one is motivating you.
Example:
If the thought comes to mind – “I will not be able to do anything”, then immediately think – “Is it really so? Have I never achieved anything before?”. In this way, self-awareness will give you the right perspective.
Change Perspective
Sometimes the problem is not big, but our perspective of looking at it is negative.
If a task seems difficult, do not consider it impossible. Think that this challenge will make me stronger.
Consider failure not as defeat, but as an opportunity to learn.
Example:
If you did not get good marks in the exam, then think – “This is not the last limit of my ability, but a sign to prepare better in future.”
Associate with positive people
The thoughts and energy of the people we live with have a profound effect on us.
If you constantly live among people who think negatively, you will also start thinking like that.
On the contrary, the company of inspiring and positive people will fill you with confidence and optimism.
Tips:
Choose good friends.
Read biographies of successful people.
Join groups or communities that encourage positive thinking.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is life’s greatest blessing.
Think every day about what you have, rather than what you don’t have.
Express gratitude for small moments – like the love of family, health, the beauty of nature.
Practical exercise:
Every night before going to bed, write down three things you are grateful for. Gradually your mind will be filled with gratitude instead of complaints.
Take help of meditation
The most effective way to control the mind is meditation.
Regular meditation calms the mind and negative thoughts gradually start reducing.
Pranayama and deep breathing reduce stress and bring mental clarity.
Example:
Chant “Om” for 10 minutes in the morning or focus on breathing. This habit will keep your thoughts positive throughout the day.
Repeat positive sentences (Affirmations)
Affirmations are positive messages given to yourself.When you repeatedly say positive sentences to your mind, gradually the subconscious mind starts believing it.This increases self-confidence and reduces negative thinking.
For example:
- I am capable and can find a solution to every problem.
- I have the power to face every situation.
- Every day brings new opportunities in my life.
Stay away from negative news and social media
Nowadays, the biggest source of negativity is news and social media.Reading or watching negative news repeatedly fills the mind with fear and anxiety.Comparison on social media also increases inferiority complex and despair.
Tips:
- Limit the time of watching news.
- Use social media only for information and inspiration.
- Stay away from unnecessary debates and controversies.
Move forward by setting goals
When there is no clear goal in life, then negative thoughts start dominating more.Goals give us direction and purpose.Goals should be small and realistic so that confidence increases on achieving them.
Example: If you want to be fit, do not make big plans immediately. First resolve to walk for 15 minutes every day. Gradually increase it.
Help others
Helping others brings positive energy to the mind.When you cause someone to smile, negativity automatically reduces.It gives the feeling that you are useful to the society and your life has value.
Examples:
- Helping someone in need.
- Teaching children.
- Doing small good deeds – like planting trees, giving charity, etc.
Make laughter and humor a part of life
Laughter is the biggest enemy of stress.When you laugh, “happy hormones” (endorphins) are produced in your body which reduce negative emotions.Read funny books, watch comedies, have light-hearted talks with friends.
Learn to live in the present
Most negative thoughts are either related to past mistakes or worries about the future.It is not in your hands to change the past and it is impossible to predict the future.So the best way is – to live in the present moment.
Practical Exercise:
- When eating, focus only on the food, not on the mobile or TV.
- When talking to someone, listen with your whole heart.
Conclusion
Negative thoughts are a part of life, but it is in our hands to not let them dominate our entire life.We can train our mind by adopting measures like self-awareness, positive association, gratitude, meditation, affirmations and right goals.
Remember, positive thinking does not mean that problems will not come. Rather it means – looking at any problem from the point of view of solution.Life is what we make with our thoughts. If thoughts are positive, then hope, strength and joy will remain in every situation of life.
Also Read – How to improve your intuition