Do you jump to conclusions, entertaining the worst-case scenario because of something happening in your life?
Do you filter through your thoughts even when they are great experiences or memories, never seeing the good, just the negative?
Do you allow your mind to dwell on past situations that are out of your control, which keep you from focusing on the positive and enable you to move forward?
If the answer is yes to even one of these questions, then you must realize these thoughts can negatively affect our mental and physical being. We would not be human if we didn’t have ideas or emotions, but if we linger in negativity and allow it to control our lives, it can steal our joy and keep us from living and our purpose. These negative thoughts can be triggered, for instance, if we consume ourselves with media and news coverage that is full of negativity and tragedy; this can breed all types of feelings and emotions that can cause high levels of stress and anxiety. It could even cause an opposing view and fear of the world and cause extreme caution and worry for family members who may not have made it home at their usual time or fear every time your loved ones leave home. Wow! It’s not how we want to feel enslaved to negative thoughts; it does so much harm and may cause problems like sleep disturbance, irritability, and depression. Research has shown consistent negativity can weaken the brain’s ability to reason, think through things, and form memories. We must protect our minds from something that could cause us to have cognitive issues or entertain negative thoughts. Even the types of music and movies we consider increase negative emotions and ideas that can lead to aggression.
I used to be entertained by horror movies and crime shows, which would cause me to think and dwell on negative thoughts, and it was very overwhelming; I tell you, if you don’t get a hold of your thinking, your mind can cause you to come up with worst-case scenario thoughts. I remember my children would say, “Mom, you always see the negative before the positive about things.” Did that hurt my spirit? I honestly had to renew my way of thinking, and this didn’t happen overnight, and I can still struggle with it at times. Yet now I know how to overcome it. Changed the way I thought and what I allowed to enter my mind, be it music, news, or movies. I noticed when I decided to stop indulging in this type of entertainment those thoughts subsided, and the anxiety, stress, and insane thoughts no longer plagued me.
Other things that lead to negative thoughts can be your surroundings and being influenced by those who are toxic in their thinking and actions. Toxic people feed off negative energy; if we are around this, it will also become a part of our reality. We can start becoming negative in what we say and towards others as the outcome is always dim and gloomy.
So, let’s talk about how we can control these thoughts.
- First, we must look at what we allow our minds to take in regularly and decide if these things cause anxiety, aggression, doubt, fear, depression, or worry. If they do, then it’s not healthy to remain in gauge.
- Once we recognize the problem, we get control of it by ridding it of our life.
- If you are a believer meditating on the Word, pray for mental clarity, and remove the negative clutter with positive scriptures.
- Sit still, inhale and exhale, and think about good thoughts. Focus on the now.
- Stop focusing on you and decide to help someone in need.
- Go workout or take a walk in the neighborhood or park.
- Awaken your mind and read a positive, inspiring, and motivating book.
- Talk to someone you can trust to hold you accountable when thinking negatively.
- Remove yourself from negative people and control your space.
- Get around positive people and the environment.
Start helping yourself let go of negativity by putting these things into practice and even talking yourself through them once you become critical. Once you find the trigger, you can end the negative thought.
Take care!
Reference: https://pvdpsych.com/5-ways-that-negativity-affects-brain-chemistry-and-what-to-do/