Life consists of many ups and downs, twists and turns, positives and negatives which all influence the way we think, act, and feel. The words we speak, think or repeat impact the environment we have in our minds. Frequent and consistent negative thoughts will build a negative mindset, whereas positive thoughts develop a positive mind. Still, the average person has at least 11 negative thoughts per day. But what if there were habits and methods to help shift mindsets from negative to positive? Spoiler alert: there are, and we are here to help you do so! Here is our beginner’s guide to positive thinking.
Positive Thinking
Positive thinking is simple — it is the idea that thinking positively will encourage a more supportive and encouraging mindset. Therapist Kati Morton recognizes the connection between positive thinking and mental health; she also believes positive thinking is a difficult, but necessary habit to have. Morton clearly outlines exercises and small steps anybody can take to begin their positive thinking journey.
Positive Thinking and Self-Talk
In a piece for Popsugar, Morton reveals that our brains are built to seek out threats and negativity as a part of our fight-or-flight responses when stressed. To shift mindsets, we must recognize this fact and intentionally divert our minds from this impulse to find negative thoughts. Morton says to do this, we must pay attention to ourselves and the way we talk about ourselves because it heavily impacts our mental health.
Bridge Statements to Counter Negativity
Next, Morton suggests trying to use bridge statements when addressing negative thoughts because bridge statements allow us to see the possibility of changing our mindsets. For example, let’s pretend you have the thought, “I’m so stupid”. Instead of jumping into this task by repeating affirmations like, “I am so smart,” try to counter the negative thoughts by saying something like, “It’s possible I’m not as stupid as I think I am,” because it shows your brain what a positive mindset is like.
Affirmations
Lastly, Morton adds if bridge statements aren’t working try to be more direct with the affirmations. For example, writing affirmations that are straightforward like “I am smart” can be a good place to start because it introduces your brain to the idea of countering negative thoughts. Affirmations can be very helpful, especially when they become routine because it allows your brain to be comfortable with these thoughts.
Tips from the Nterns on Positive Thinking
While negativity and positivity are both normal and a fluctuating part of life, there are ways we can enhance our perspective with positive thinking, and positive mindsets. A few Nterns at Just N Life have shared their favorite tips, methods, and/or exercises for positive thinking. Here are a few of the suggestions they had to offer:
- Protect Your Peace: protecting your peace can look like many things, and it is different for each individual, but includes eliminating people, habits, events, and activities that do not add any value or positive impacts on your life.
- Mindfulness: mindfulness can be as easy as reserving time to reflect on life, or logging out of social media for a week. The goal of mindfulness is to be fully present with yourself, focusing on how you feel mentally and physically.
- Wellness Podcasts: wellness and mindfulness podcasts can be great tools because they give multiple perspectives, methods, and exercises that help promote inner peace and positivity.
Positively Positive
Positive thinking and mindfulness are difficult habits to start, however, both are extremely helpful tools to have when life gets hard. This beginner’s guide to positive thinking offers the inspiration and tips you need to begin your mindfulness journey!
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