The struggles of human life are myriad and it can crop up at any point in time. The age-old proverb – “Life is not a bed of roses” may sound more of a cliche but it is the truth and this proverb will continue to be mankind’s immortal and stark reality.
7 Powerful Tips to Overcome Negative Thoughts For A Stress-Free Life
The thought process of each and every human being drives their day. So, the need to stop negative thinking from dominating the mental thought process is of paramount importance. Every human being on the planet earth has to make life free from unwanted and negative influences and undertake the steps needed to turn this into a reality.
Now let us find out the 7 best ways in which one can achieve this –
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Dissolving inferiority complex
The basic step in tackling the problems of life head-on is the need for self-belief. This comes through negative thoughts or an inherent feeling of having faith in one’s strengths and capabilities. This quality of self-belief does not mean looking down upon others or being filled with a sense of superiority. It simply should be an inherent courage to fight back against all the problems by having absolute self-confidence.
The presence of even a minuscule element of inferiority complex is perhaps the biggest self-inflicted wound of every individual. Such an inferiority complex only welcomes an unending barrage of negative thoughts. This creates imaginary fears and inability to overcome problems.
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Accepting criticism
Much of the inferiority complex grows unchecked within the human mind due to the inability to accept external criticism. The normal thinking person either rejects or accepts criticism. Both are incorrect by its very nature. The former is the attitude of refusing to change under any circumstances.
The latter is the mentality of looking down at oneself as incapable. The practical approach is to accept that part of the criticism which is required to change the attitude for betterment. At the same time, unwanted criticism has to be separated, weeded out and thrown away as far as possible. Every criticism should be taken as a chance to improve the self without losing confidence.
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Personality and mind development
Some psychological self-examination is mandatory to stem the flow of negative thinking and any other form of self-defeating thoughts. This is a normal step and there is no need to be worried about even a minor form of mental aberration. It is a well-known fact that throughout the world, the majority of human beings are in the mild grip of some form of negative emotions.
Even those who presume that they are filled with a high sense of self-belief may not really be on the right track. The top management schools of the world focus on personality development for their students. Such students are the most intelligent of the lot but still, personality development training enhances their mindset and makes them open-minded.
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Develop mindfulness
As long as the mind gets attached to the daily thoughts and emotions, it is but natural for everyone to be affected by the same. This sets in motion the absorption of feelings and becoming a victim of those feelings. More often than not, the thoughts turn out to be negative due to the daily stress.
The practice of mindfulness helps to detach the body and the mind from these thoughts and view them in a passive manner. It is just like seeing them float by without having any feelings. As a technique, mindfulness can be developed and finely shaped through regular trained meditation. As a tool to stop negative thinking, this technique is recommended universally by psychologist and mind trainers.
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Thought stopping
This is another method recommended for a stress-free life and to stem the flow of negativity. It is the direct opposite of mindfulness. While the earlier method, calls on collecting the thoughts and then letting it pass by, this method trains the mind to completely stop thinking, thereby rooting out the very habit of thinking.
While such a step is good in the initial phase for those who have excessive thinking habits, it needs to be eventually replaced in the long run by other methods. A life without thoughts is not recommendable beyond a point.
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Cognitive Therapy
These are suggested methods by a therapist to identify at the very root of negative thoughts and to change them over a period of time. The process of cognitive restructuring is a key part of Cognitive behavioral therapy.
The person has to identify the negative thoughts troubling him or her, subsequently accept it and then slowly restructure it into more positive and helpful thinking. It can also be self-practiced by a slow process of changing of the lifestyle backed up through rational and positive thoughts.
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Dietary habits
A good and healthy lifestyle is the foundation of a thought free and stress- less life. This is known to all but practiced by very few. It is the very answer to the question – how to stop negative thinking? A healthy life includes minimal fat-free oily and fried food, more fresh fruits and vegetables, protein-rich food, timely controlled eating, regular exercise of at least one hour daily, proper sleep habits. The healthy body, in turn, produces a free and fresh mind. The healthy mind, in turn, is free of all inhibitions and fear.
Practicing these 7 steps can help to develop an optimistic mindset. A positive mind frame is a precursor to success, and it always finds the determination to rework and correct oneself without breaking from within.
