We should all want what’s best for ourselves, but too often, we get caught in the cycle of negativity and pessimism. When this happens, it can add to your daily stress levels and detract from your overall wellness. If a toxic, self-defeating inner monologue is holding you back from living your best life, how can you overcome this challenge and turn negativity into positivity?
1. Be a Friend to Yourself
You might have allowed negative self-talk to be part of your subconscious mind for so long that you no longer notice it. Several times a day, make a point to review and evaluate your recent thoughts and feelings. If you’re being overly harsh on yourself, you may notice your inner monologue is a litany of blame and anxiety, such as “You can’t do anything right” or “Why bother to try something new? You’ll only mess it up.” You’d probably never say such hurtful things to a good friend, so why would you talk to yourself that way? Try to counterbalance each critical or belittling thought with something positive.
2. Find the Everyday Humor in Life
Even amid challenging circumstances, you can still look for opportunities to laugh. Laughing has a host of health benefits, including stress relief. It might seem frivolous to find the humor in tense or emotionally fraught situations, but when times are tough and you need a boost, your sense of humor can make you more resilient.
3. Surround Yourself With Positive People
One of the best ways to turn negativity into positivity is to have caring, compassionate friends who lift you up when you’re feeling down. These supportive people will have your best interests at heart and will offer kind words of advice. They’ll encourage you to pursue optimism and help you find healthy outlets for stress relief.
4. Set Attainable Goals
Negative self-talk and low confidence go hand in hand. You can boost your self-esteem by setting realistic objectives. Be specific, and start small. As your belief in yourself grows, you can aim higher and higher with each new challenge you set.
5. Start a Journal
Sometimes, looking at the big picture can help you realize when you’re being too critical toward yourself. One way to combat this is by starting a journal. Whether you keep it digital or write it out with pen and paper is up to you; this is a private place to record your thoughts and feelings.
Reviewing past journal entries is a great way to notice how your point of view can shift and evolve over time. For example, you might look back at something you wrote six months ago and realize you were making a mountain out of a molehill. Your journal entries can remind you that most of your worries aren’t that significant in the grand scheme of things. In this way, you will gradually minimize the anxiety and fear that lead to negative self-talk.
Being Your Best in Challenging Circumstances
2020 has been one of the most emotionally trying years for many of us. If you are struggling to maintain a positive outlook, you could become over-reliant on drugs or alcohol as an unhealthy coping mechanism. Take back control of your life with holistic recovery in beautiful Taos, New Mexico. Vista Taos Renewal Center is here to offer you a tailored treatment plan and a fresh start. Connect with us to learn more about our admissions process.
