Life isn’t always all sunshine and roses and from time to time you’re going to experience negative feelings and emotions. Every thought and feeling you have is valid, but problems arise when we continuously dwell on the negative. What is important is that you process your feelings and move yourself back towards a positive frame of mind.
Stop fighting the negative thoughts
It sounds counterproductive, but it’s not. Dwelling on the fact that you are having bad feelings and trying to force them out of your mind without processing them can do more harm than good. Embrace the negative thoughts, focus on them for a brief period of time, and then set them aside. You’re allowed to have them; just don’t allow them to hang around for a long time.
Look for the bright side
There’s always a silver lining, even in the crummiest of situations. Was there a positive moment for anyone – even if it wasn’t for you? Can you learn something from what happened, even if it was painful? Actively ask yourself about what’s happened and use it as an opportunity to grow.
Hang out with positive people, and enjoy the happiness they bring to the table. We tend to pick up the feelings and behaviors of the people we hang around. Are your friend depressed and moody? Find some who aren’t or at least be conscious of the negative people who may be influencing you, whether you realize it or not.
Trash the negativity – literally
Write your negative thoughts on a slip of paper and throw them away. Rip them up, shred them, and be done with them. When you recognize your negative thoughts as garbage, you’ll be able to treat them as such and walk away from them. You’ll feel better once they’re gone.
Make a conscious shift from negative to positive thinking and you’ll gain a new perspective on life. You’ll feel more productive, more pleasant, and better to handle the curveballs life throws at you.
