Everyone gets stuck in a negative mindset at some point in time. Here are 9 ways to turn those negative thoughts around quickly.
I was recently asked, “where is the best place to start simplifying your life”? The first thing I thought of was your mindset. Honestly, I don’t say that flippantly or from a change your mindset, change your life kind of place. Being stuck in a negative mindset makes life feel complicated!
Over the years I’ve learned that a big part of simplifying is learning to appreciate the things you have. It’s about cultivating a mindset of gratitude and thanksgiving.
I have to tell you that I’m often surprised at how much I fail in this area. Well actually, when things are going well I’m pretty good about being thankful and appreciative of all that I have, and it’s a lot!
On the other hand, when I have too much on my plate, or I feel like my life consists of little more than working, cleaning and cooking I can find myself getting stuck in a negative mindset. I forget how thankful I am for the small everyday moments.
The truth is that stress, frustration, and busyness come naturally. But we have to be intentional in practicing gratitude and looking for the good in the mundane of everyday moments.
So if you find yourself just kind of stuck in a negative mindset, here are 9 ways to be intentional in seeing the positive and practicing gratitude.
1. Spend Time Alone
I am very much an introvert so alone time is always important for my mental well-being. However, even if you are an extrovert taking the time to get by yourself is important. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to refocus your thoughts. This is especially true when you find yourself stuck in a negative mindset.
Even science backs this truth up! Scientific studies have linked alone time to increased happiness, better life satisfaction, and improved stress management.
Whether you choose an afternoon at your favorite coffee shop, a long solo drive in the car, or even 20 minutes locked in your room, take time away from the distractions of your everyday routines to really focus on all that you do have.
2. Keep Perspective
When we encounter particular problems or trials it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or defeated. Naturally, these feelings are going to put us into a negative mindset.
However, it’s not just big trials that can throw us into a negative thought pattern. Often it’s the drudgery of the day to day that causes us to lose perspective.
There’s a tendency to focus on what’s missing rather than all that we have. We like to focus on the problems and forget to consider the solutions. This is where it’s so important to be intentional in choosing gratitude.
There is good in your life! It may not always feel like it but if you keep things in perspective you will see it. Look for little victories and celebrate them. Truthfully, sometimes that’s a big victory.
The point is to look at the big picture. Even in your most difficult times, there are still positive things happening in your life. Focus on those and you’ll overcome that negative mindset!
3. Show Yourself Grace
It’s just human nature to look for someone to blame when things aren’t the way we want them to be. Really it goes back to the Garden of Eden when Adam told God “It was the woman you gave me”.
Yet deep down we know it’s not good to blame others and that we need to take responsibility. However, when we’re in a negative mindset this can result in beating ourselves up. That’s not any better of a solution.
When you show yourself the same grace that you would show to others what happens is you’re able to see solutions that you just can’t see wallowing in self-blame.
Knowing that you have options and possible solutions is what will pull you straight out of that negative mindset.
4. Talk It Out
4. Talk It OutSometimes you just gotta vent. One of the things that keep us in a negative mindset is bottling up how we’re feeling. Don’t do that!
Instead, tell a friend! Being honest with someone you trust lifts the weight off your shoulders. After all, we were made to bear one another’s burdens.
So often a friend can give you a fresh perspective and point out things we don’t always see clearly because we’re in the midst of it. If nothing else, having someone to love you and empathize with you gives you something to be thankful for. As they wipe away your tears, it will also wipe away that negative mindset.
If it’s too much to share with a friend or no one is around pray. You can spill it all out to the one who loves you perfectly. Bear your soul it may be just what you need to move past that negativity.
5. Laugh Really Hard
Some of those old adages really are true. “Laughter is the best medicine” is one of them. If you’re stuck in that negative mindset a good laugh is the quickest way to turn it around.
Do you have a favorite TV show or movie that you always laugh at? Now’s the time to watch it. Watch some videos online from your favorite comedian. Give a call to that person in your life that always makes you laugh.
I promise it’s impossible to be negative when you’re crying from laughter!
6. Focus on What You Can Control
One of the biggest contributors to being stuck in a negative mindset is having to deal with circumstances that are completely out of your control. It’s hard and makes you feel like there’s just nothing you can do.
However, the truth is that there is absolutely no point in getting upset about things you can’t control. Instead, look for those things that you absolutely can control. And one thing you can always control is your actions and your attitude.
Focus on the actions you can take, even if it’s only one little thing. As you start doing little things that you are in control of that negative mindset will begin to fade.
Related: How to Take Back Control of Your Life
7. Do Something You Love
7. Do Something You LovePersonally, I usually like to hide and disappear from the world when I’m in a negative mind. However, once I start to do something that I enjoy it helps me to refocus my thoughts and start seeing the positive.
It doesn’t matter if it’s getting outdoors, I love going on hikes, or being creative in your home, something else I love. The point is to do something you love. You’ll start to feel more like yourself and turn that negative mindset around in no time.
Related: 12 Ways to Get Out of a Funk
8. Focus on Your Life Goals
When we’re caught up in a negative mindset we tend to feel discouraged and hopeless. Our focus is on what’s immediately in front of us and the problems we’re going through. Motivation is at an all-time low.
However, it’s so important to stay focused on your long-term goals and vision for your life. Even if you have to force yourself to do one little thing. Working on your big goals and taking action to make your dreams a reality is exactly what will take you out of the negative mindset.
Don’t wait until you feel motivated to work on your goals. When you’re stuck in a negative mindset you won’t feel like it. It doesn’t matter how small or big it is, just do something to move you forward in achieving your goals.
Related: Simple Life Goals That Will Transform Your Life
9. Start & End Each Day In Gratitude
Whatever you focus on, or whatever you think about directs your mindset. When you’re intentional about focusing on the positive your mindset will shift to a more positive place.
Now I hear you, how in the world do you stay focused on the positive when you’re stuck in a negative mindset. Well, it starts by setting a daily habit of starting and ending your day with at least one thing you are thankful for.
Honestly, you don’t even have to write it down, but it helps. Just make it a routine that is triggered by something you do every morning. While waiting for the coffee to brew state what you are grateful for at that moment.
When bedtime rolls around, while you’re brushing your teeth or putting on your jammies, think about something that happened in the day that you’re grateful for. As you fill your mind with gratitude and positive thoughts, you’ll find yourself no longer stuck in a negative mindset.
So there you have it, 9 things you can do to turn a negative mindset around. None of these tips will magically make your problems go away. However, by regularly practicing even one or two of them it will help lead you in a more positive direction.
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