Deconstructing Negativity: A Path to Positive Thinking

Introduction

If you find yourself struggling with negativity, you're not alone. To be honest, humans actually have a negativity bias. Negativity bias means humans are more likely to notice and feel negative things more intensely than positive ones, which significantly impacts our mental health. This implies that even a single negative event can overshadow numerous positive experiences.

Tuning out negative thoughts

Firstly, be kind to yourself. Don't forget that we are all negative sometimes, and that is not a bad thing. Remember to be self-compassionate with yourself as you navigate shifting your negative thoughts. However, it is helpful to be aware that our brains tend to operate in habitual ways..

Discovering the power of a positive mindset is a journey paved with strategies that can transform your mental health and well-being:

1. Making positive concepts accessible in the brain-One way to achieve this is by having a 'positive word of the day.

2. Deconstructing negativity- Reflecting on the following questions:

   • How could this situation turn out better than expected?

   • What are the positive parts of this situation?

   • Why are the positive things in this situation important or valuable?

3. Checking attribution style-Do you think nothing you do matters and the world is responsible for all that is going wrong in your life or you are to blame? This will have and adverse impact on your self-esteem. To shift this thinking, recognise that not everything is in your control. We all have done bad things, but we can move past them when we realise that we have done the best we could given the circumstances at the the time.

4. Generating positive emotions-When we struggle with negativity, we are so good at imagining negative things . Focussing on positive things can help shift your focus from negative to positive things.

5. Halting ruminative cycles-It is common that from time to time dwell on bad stuff , but it's rarely helpful and not actually good for our well-being. Stopping rumination is hard, but physical activity like running or walking can help stop negative thoughts quickly.

6. Practicing gratitude- Embedding gratitude in your daily life makes it easier to focus on the good and accept the bad, such as by writing gratitude notes.

7. Engaging in positive activities- Engage in activities that make you feel good, such as spending time with friends, going on day trips, painting, crossword puzzle or dancing—whatever helps you feel less stuck.

8. Finding ways to relax-Engage in relaxation techniques such as Yoga, whatever makes you feel good.

Take-Away Thoughts:

By embedding these strategies in your daily life, you can cultivate a mindset filled with optimism and resilience. Embracing these practices can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life, allowing you to navigate challenges with positivity and strength. Let's embark on this journey together towards a brighter tomorrow.