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By J.Gwathney

Getting beyond the pattern of negative thinking

Getting beyond the pattern of negative thinking

On a day-to-day basis, we experience changes in our moods. When things are going well, we feel as if all the world is here to support us. This could make you feel confident, full of energy and drive. Once a problem arrives, depending on the severity, it can cause dramatic changes in how you feel about yourself. Not having an adequate solution may develop into a ruminant pattern of thought where you can begin thinking about what you could have done, more often than what can be done now.

If you are not able to do anything about a problem, it is better to let it go and move on. It is natural to think about the problem on occasion, but being hard on yourself over a perceived failure can become a problem in itself. Your brain could register this pattern of thought as unalleviated pain. When problematic responses to stress become a habit, it can take a toll on the way that you approach problem-solving.

Negative thinking dampens your outlook. It drains you of hope, which can lead to dejection. Strong emotions such as hurt cause changes in our behavior. When you are experiencing sadness, you may not be in the mood to pursue productive things.

Awareness

Being aware of a problem provides us with an opportunity, along with choices. Based on these choices, it will set in motion a series of outcomes that will determine our mood. Most of us would prefer to be happy. Being in a depressed mood is gloomy. Awareness, of course, can not do it alone; action in connection with an awareness will bring forth its benefits.

Stressful circumstances

Under stress, the body undergoes certain changes that set off a domino effect. It starts with adrenaline and cortisol being released into your body, followed by reactions within the liver, lungs, heart, and immune system.

Relaxation

Knowing what you find relaxing is a good place to start. It may help to create a list of activities that you know will put you in a good mood. Once you are relaxed, you are more responsive to constructive thoughts and behavior.

Organizing sufficient alone time can assist by providing an opportunity for your mind to rest. When your mind is rested you are able to think clearly. This means taking your mind off of a problem long enough to find a suitable solution. Training your mind to find periods of rest is an adjustment that will come by practice. Repeating steps after deciding on a course of action will be vital to the process of its success.

Adjustment to circumstances

In every situation, even within difficult circumstances, there are choices. Negative thoughts may make things difficult, but can be useful when it comes to figuring things out. Within each circumstance, there are positive and negative aspects that play its role in finding the best course of action. Weighing favorable and unfavorable aspects will correspond to a solution that is suitable.

Decisions based on your preference, wish or choice is the only way to achieve satisfaction. No excuses or distractions will be allowed to interfere. Everything that you do will be of your own free will. Reconsidering and modifying plans are all a part of making decisions. The more enjoyable that you feel your life is, the less time you have to become excessively negative. When negative thoughts occur, the option to replace them is an apparent part of the process. As long as you are willing to put in the work with coherent detail, you will feel comfortable with the outcome.

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