We can all fall victim to negative thoughts from time-to-time, whether from stress, anxiety, or outside factors. It’s easy to find. It’s right there when we want to indulge. When things get busy and stress builds at work, it’s almost impossible to avoid. I must admit I’m guilty of falling into the negativity trap. I compiled some tricks on how I free myself from these weights when my brain tries to bring me down.
Daily Gratitude Journal. If you ever used a goal journal or productivity journal (I’m a fan of the structure of the Freedom Journal for getting in the right mindset), you have probably seen gratitude incorporated in some way. It really does help to get you in the mindset for success. Seeing the bright side, focusing on the positive, being grateful will help propel you forward and fight the things that hold you down.
Face Tricks. This one is very silly which makes it my favorite. If you’re perseverating on a negative thought, your face is right there with you. You likely have a tense frown and don’t even notice. One trick is to stop and focus on relaxing all of your facial muscles like you would if you’re about to smile. And in a smile too! It may feel ridiculous but actually works.
Meditation: I’m not an expert in the practice of meditation, but I have found that breathing slowly and acknowledging thoughts and feelings can work wonders. Acknowledging them in a calm relaxed state can help you figure out how to then let them go and switch yourself back to positive thoughts and action.
Exercise: Just start walking. If you’re still working from home, there are more opportunities to take advantage of this trick. Start with the idea of just walking around the block. If you go farther, great. But even that short fresh air break can help.
Count complaints: This is a slightly painful one. Grab a sheet of paper and make a mark every time you complain about something. The hope is that you’ll eventually stop yourself before you start once you have to write it down. Distancing yourself from others complaints or pivoting the conversation to a solution rather than the problem helps as well.
3-2-1 STOP: I just read Virtual Selling by some great people from RAIN Group. And they suggest telling yourself “3-2-1 STOP” if you’re doing something off task, but the same tip could be applied to negative thoughts. Shut it down by saying to yourself “3-2-1 STOP” and pushing your brainpower back into productive thoughts.
What has worked for you? I’m all ears for some new tricks!