Having negative thoughts can play havoc on your life. They can bring you pain and worry. They drain your energy and keep you in the moment instead of being able to move past it.
Positive thoughts, though, can help you see solutions to a problem, help you move forward and leave you feeling relaxed and full of energy.
“See the positive side, the potential, and make an effort.” ~Dalai Lama
Knowing what positive thinking is and its benefits is one thing – actually incorporating positive thinking into your daily life is another and, often, more difficult task for many.
Here are 11 things you can do to help overcome your negative thoughts:
- Do yoga or meditate.
Clearing your mind to allow you to focus your thoughts can bring your attention to what you need to be focusing on.
- Look for the positive.
Be loving toward yourself and to others. Focus on your strengths and assets. Maybe you felt nervous when going to a particular event, but then you received lots of positive comments from others who were happy to see you.
- Smile.
Force yourself to smile. It really does help to change your mood. And it relieves stress too.
- Surround yourself with positive people.
Get away from the negative people in your life. Talk to people who are positive.
- Halt negative thoughts immediately.
When you catch yourself with negative thoughts, give yourself permission to stop it. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do that. I’m not talented enough,” say “I can do that. I am just as talented as anyone else.”
- Don’t play the victim.
You are responsible for creating your life. If you don’t like the situation, change it.
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- List five things you are grateful for at this moment.
Being grateful is a form of positive thinking.
- Be nice to yourself.
Treat yourself with respect. Treat yourself the same way you would treat someone else. Would you call someone else names like ugly, fat or loser? Probably not. Then don’t do it to yourself.
- No one is perfect. Move on.
Don’t dwell on your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Learn a lesson from each of them and then move on.
10. Learn to accept compliments. Build your self-esteem, self-image and confidence.
Take the compliment as it is meant to be given; as a gift. Compliments can help you build your self-image and self-confidence.
11. Focus on what’s possible.
Get rid of the negative words like “can’t.” Remind yourself that you don’t need others approval for your accomplishments. Focus on your own capabilities and what is possible.
Incorporating positive thoughts into your life can change your future. You can become happier, healthier and more successful if you believe you can.
What do you do when you feel negative thoughts coming on?
How do you focus on the positive?
Jen says
Great advice! Love the meditation and yoga tip…I love both and have found as long as I keep up with the deep breathing and quiet, life is easier on me. Loving and forgiving yourself…why is that so hard? LOL Silly aren’t we that we have a hard time forgiving ourselves for not being perfect.
Elise Cohen Ho says
A life spent with a positive outlook results in a positive life. This is, of course, not me saying that one should be a Pollyanna and allow themselves to be taken advantage of but a simple reminder that if we live in the negative we will never be the amazing beings that we are meant to be.
Amy White says
What a great yet simple list of things that we can do every day to find peace and positivity even in the tough moments! Thanks for sharing!
John Lopez says
Thank you for thius, Im always have a positive to influence people to be a good vibes and it helps the negative thoughts have never been my mind stay positive!
mydomesticdish says
I’ve been working on things like this, taking positive steps forward. Meditation has actually helped a great deal so that’s an awesome point to start with. I find thinking, “Is this productive or destructive?” from time to time works well too.
Michelle says
“Is this productive or destructive?” I love it! Thanks for sharing
Yona Williams says
I have no problem with #3…I smile all of the time. Smiles are contagious..it definitely spreads the positivity around.
Cai Lipstick and Chopsticks says
Another way to help you stay positive is by reading the Bible and meditating on God’s word!
Rebecca Swenor says
These are awesome tips to incorporate positive thinking in your life. It is so important to embrace complements which some have such a hard time doing. Thanks for sharing.
Krystal's Kitsch says
A positive attitude is so important! I need to stick with it.
Kiwi says
You’ve made a really great list! I love the one that says be nice to yourself…sometimes we are not nice to our own selves!
Danielle says
3,4 and 10 are my go to’s I use to suck at taking compliments I have totally learned how now.
Carly Anderson (@lipglosscrayons) says
These are all great tips. When a negative thought comes across I try to stop for a minute and get into a better mindset.
Ann Bacciaglia says
These are great tips. I have recently started doing Yoga.
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
These are all great suggestions. I try to make positive thinking part of my regular routine. It really helps to stay away from negative people.
mmgmom says
Thank you for these great tips. I have tried to incorporate more positive thinking into my life. These tips will help.
paulinasmiles16 says
Love your images. I do almost all of those things you listed when I am stressed or get negative things in my life.
Stephanie Lee says
I always keep in mind to be positive. It’s really important to erase the negative thoughts! Thanks for this post 😀
Margarita Ibbott (@DownshiftingPRO) says
I just read that you have 40% control over your happiness in Huffington Post today. Interesting post on negativity and how you can change your perception.
Lynndee says
I always dwell on the positive side of things and I certainly surround myself with positive people. This is a great post.
estherjulee says
these are all great tips. i especially try to practice gratitude daily.. and have noticed it changing my overall attitude throughout the day. i think probably need to smile more though!
Elizabeth O. says
I believe we all should be surrounded by positive people to kick that negativity out of our mind.
Lisa Bristol says
When i feel myself having negative thoughts or feelings i like to go to a quiet spot and take a few deep breaths and think of all the good things in my life. I always try to be positive in every situation.
shari says
great tips. being positive has so much more potential than staying in the negative.
rochkirstin says
Your first sentence is always what I remind my mom. She’s a pessimist and does not believe that good things will happen. I am still in the process of changing her mindset and teaching her as well how to pray and be positive.
Jenni E. {Sweet Pennies from Heaven} says
Sometimes it is difficult but these definitely are some excellent tips. Thank you for the reminder especially now, with Thanksgiving around the corner.
franckxethee says
It’s nice to surround yourself with positive people. It gives us a better perspective of life.
Michelel Hwee says
What great tips and inspiration! 🙂 Thank you!
Olivia says
Posts like this make me unbelievably happy, especially as so many people don’t realize how important their own happiness is, in some cases. Smiling is such a small one, but it can make such a difference. Loved this <3
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Courtney says
Omg love this post!!! Being positive and finding the positive in every situation is so very important!!!
You, Baby and I says
A smile can say a thousand words, I always try to smile. It automatically makes you feel better and positive.
Jessica @ Sprinkle Some Sugar says
These are some great tips. It’s always best to stay positive
Fi Ní Neachtáin says
These all all great points for positivity. Removing negative people from your life really helps.
Erica @ Healthy Family Matters says
Good advice. It’s always better to think positive. Nothing good comes from dwelling on negativity.
Kungphoo says
Nice tips.. i always try and maintain my positive outlook.. sometimes its very hard.
Liz Mays says
Smiling makes a huge difference! I’ve made myself smile when I’m upset, and it truly does lighten my mood!
Rena McDaniel-Alzheimers Caregiver says
I know that the holidays is the worst time for people suffering from depression. It is such a difficult time with responsibilities and money troubles. These are some really great tips!
Samantha Angell says
These are all great tips. I think surrounding yourself with positive people is very important.
Masshole Mommy says
Those are all great pointers. Moving on it tough sometimes, but it’s important.