Did you know that you have 50,000 thoughts each day, and about 70 percent of them are negative? If you don’t stop negativity immediately, you empower depression to penetrate your mind. It’s hard to be happy all the time, especially when the world is full of so much pessimism, but it’s worth the effort to combat the depressing thoughts.
Research confirms that harboring negative thoughts causes people to become anxious and depressed.
Twenty Ways to Stop Negativity Quickly
Thankfully, you can live in a hostile world and still have an optimistic outlook. Yes, you have the power to stop negativity in its tracks. While those thoughts may enter your mind, you can control them from having an impact. Over time, you can learn to reduce these thoughts by doing some simple hacks. Here are some easy ways to stop the negativity.
1. Reprogram Your Mind
It’s not easy, but you can reprogram your mind. Start letting go of all the small things, and you must look for the silver lining in your dark cloud. Remember, you’re in control, and you can choose to be positive and have a great life.
Once you train your brain to focus on the sunshine instead of the rain, you will have a whole new outlook.
2. Use Positive Affirmations
An ancient writing stated that as a man thinks in his heart, so shall he be. If you feel you can’t do something, then you won’t accomplish it. So why not program your mind will positivity that moves you towards success?
Start telling yourself that you will accomplish your tasks, you will get the job you want, and you will have a great day. You’ll be amazed at how much better your outlook on life will become.
3. Switch Negative Thoughts with Positive Ones
Identify some of the common negative thoughts you have each day. When these thoughts come to you, you need to have something positive to throw back at them. For instance, have you ever said something like this: “I will never get that promotion I’ve worked so hard to obtain?”
Why not counter this negative thought with a positive one like: “I am going to get that promotion because I have worked so hard to get it!”
4. Identify When Your Thought Patterns Turn Pessimistic
Certain times in your life are darker than others, and you may be inclined to fall into negative thought patterns. Don’t view everything in your life as black and white. Remember, there is another color called gray.
It’s okay not to be okay, but you don’t have to stay in this downtrodden position for long. Stop trying to predict what will happen in the future, overgeneralizing things, and making mountains out of molehills. Focus your mind on growth, and it will help you improve your life and your thinking.
5. Stop Negativity by Practicing Gratitude
One way to stop negativity is to throw some gratitude at it. When the thoughts that your sister has a bigger house than yours comes into your mind, combat these thoughts with gratitude. It would help if you were thankful you have a place to call home, regardless of its size or price. According to Statista Research Department, there are over 580,000 homeless people in this country.
Sometimes, you need to give yourself a reality check to keep the negativity at bay.
6. Dwell on The Good in Your Life
If you focus on the negativity around you 24×7, then you will live a miserable existence. However, notice the beauty all around you, such as the flowers that are popping up for spring and the beautiful smile on your child’s face. Think about all the family members that support you and are by your side no matter what happens.
When you feel down and out, remind yourself of all the blessings and privileges that you have at your fingertips.
7. Use A Gratitude Journal
Another way to combat negativity is to start a gratitude journal. Start writing down all the things you’re thankful for and your blessings. It’s hard to stay down and depressed when you consider all the bounty the Universe has given you.
8. Never Engage or Listen to Gossip
Gossip is a harmful activity that is pure evil. When you engage in such things, you’re causing your mindset to be negative more than the positive. Please stay away from tale bearers as they will drag you down with them.
Sadly, these people may seem like your friend when they’re sharing juicy information with you, but they will also talk about you with others. You don’t need this negativity in your life.
9. Minimize Your Time Watching the News
There are very few positive things on the news. When you watch such programs, you’re filling your mind, body, and soul with pure negativity.
If you need to get the weather, then consider installing an app on your phone. You don’t need that constant negativity pouring into your mind each day, as it will only pour more toxicity into your spirit.
10. Live Each Day with Purpose
Live each day with passion and purpose. You have a reason why you’re here on earth, and when you figure that out, it makes your life more meaningful.
11. Stop Multitasking
If you’re wearing too many hats and feel overwhelmed, then you’re setting yourself up for negativity. Try focusing on one task at a time so that your mind can keep pessimism at bay.
12. Quit Ruminating About Your Past
Your past is done and over, and you don’t have to go back there anymore. Don’t let the problems of yesterday interfere with your future. The more you look at what’s behind you, the less you can focus on what’s before you.
13. Get Sufficient Rest
If you want to stop negativity, then get enough rest at night. If you don’t have a sufficient sleep, then you’re automatically tired and irritable.
14. Reduce Social Media Time
A little bit of social media goes a long way. You don’t need to be spending hours on end watching other people’s business. There is so much fake stuff on these outlets, and people only show you what they want you to see anyway.
Learn to live in the here and now and stop spending your life hooked on electronics.
15. Learn to Say No
Usually, frustration turns to negativity, and much of this comes from taking on too much. It would help if you learned how to say no to protect yourself. Only you know your limits and when enough is enough.
16. Get Rid of Clutter
It’s often thought that your home, car, and office will reflect what’s going on inside your mind. If you hoard things and have clutter and junk all around, it could be because there is much chaos inside your brain. Organize your space and get rid of all the mess, and it will make you feel 100 percent better.
17. Stop Complaining
Sure, life isn’t fair, and things aren’t always going to go your way. However, don’t grumble about how bad things are in your life. No one likes to be around someone who complains all the time, and it gives terrible energy.
18. Learn to Express Your Emotions
Don’t bottle all your emotions inside where they will fester and turn negative. Rather, learn effective ways to cleanse your mind each day. Put the troubles of the day down before you close your eyes at night.
19. Do Random Acts of Kindness
If you’re feeling down and out, and negativity is getting the best of you, then why not try doing a random act of kindness? You can stop negativity by doing something positive that is going to bless someone else. Imagine how much better you will feel if you buy lunch for someone who is having a bad day too?
20. Cut Negative People from Your Life
Lastly, one significant factor in your mindset is the people that you hang with each day. Did your parents ever tell you that birds of a feather always flock together? You won’t see a blue jay running around with a crow because they stick with their kind.
If you hang around negative people, they can drain your energy and bring you down with them. Find people who give you an extra push to be something great, or a person that always sees the glass as half full rather than half empty. You’re known by the company you keep, so make sure your friends are a good representation of the mindset you desire.
Final Thoughts on Learning to Stop Negativity Right Away
Negativity is like an illness that enters your body, increases in intensity, and eventually takes you out. When you allow these pessimistic thoughts to enter your mind, they will corrupt your life. You will see a change in your attitude, and eventually, your life will be full of toxicity.
It’s so important that you are conscious of every thought and how they affect you. Did you know that all that negativity can drive you to do things that are unhealthy?
If you want to have a healthy life blessed and happy, you need to stop negativity in its tracks. Remember, there is power in positive thinking.