Monday blues? If you’re feeling particularly down in the dumps, Life Coach Lewis Raymond-Taylor reveals 7 ways you can turn your negatives into positives
The term ‘it’s okay not to be okay’ has gained popularity and momentum over the past couple of years.
While this term can definitely be empowering in some ways, on some levels it can also be quite damaging.
Of course, things happen in your life, which result in you not feeling okay, but it is not okay to stay there.
we need to focus on changing those negative thought patterns into positive ones
When this term is used, people often see it as an excuse to give up responsibility rather than acknowledging the fact that, yes, they may feel down today, but ‘what can I do to try and change that?’
There is a thin balance between honouring your emotions, understanding your humanism and allowing yourself to experience a natural range of emotions based on things that cause you discomfort.
While everyone will suffer negative thoughts at some point in their life, we need to focus on changing those negative thought patterns into positive ones.
Here are my top tips for turning negatives into positives:
#1 Grab a pen and get writing
One of the most effective ways to deal with negative thoughts and emotions is to write them down.
Writing your negative thoughts down and seeing them displayed in front of you will allow you to rationalise your thoughts and feelings, making it easier to move past them, create a solution and effectively process what’s going on inside your head.
You can also use this technique to formulate a positive plan which focuses on what can be done to make you feel better.
Turning this into a checklist and ticking each point off could help you to feel more positive and in control.
#2 Prioritise self-care
Another way to turn negative thoughts into positive ones, is to prioritise self-care.
General lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of many mental health problems and reduce negative thoughts.
When suffering from negative self-talk, it can be easy to make excuses to avoid getting regular exercise, eating well or even socialising.
find a way to cope with these thoughts before they begin to spiral
But, taking time to focus on ourselves is extremely important and will help us not only to recover from periods of mental ill-health but also help us to maintain good mental health in the future.
Similarly, if you find yourself slipping into a negative thought pattern, then a trick is to identify what the negative thought pattern is and find a way to cope with these thoughts before they begin to spiral out of control.
Every time you find yourself focusing on the negative, refocus your thoughts for five minutes on your exciting project.
#3 Create a routine
Developing a successful routine is also an effective way to mitigate those negative thoughts.
Setting a few important goals in the morning will keep your momentum and motivation to achieve your goals and help you build toward your dreams and goals.
When you know what you want and are driving at it daily, general negativity is likely to fade.
#4 Ask yourself what you would tell a friend
We tend to find it easier to be kinder to others than ourselves. If you’re struggling with negative thoughts or feelings, ask yourself what advice you’d give to a friend in the same situation.
Doing this will help you to rationalise your thoughts and listen to your inner voice which can be effective in helping you to feel and be more positive.
#5 Stand tall
The mind and the body have an intrinsic connection, and without realising, your body language can give insight into how you’re feeling and vice versa.
your body language can give insight into how you’re feeling
If you are struggling to move your mind into a more positive perspective, try moving your body there first. Try standing up straight, shoulders back, chin held high, stretching your arms out as wide as they can go.
Feeling powerful and positive can help your mind to do the same.
#6 Do something for someone else
Feeling like you’re contributing or being of service to others has been shown to give individuals a longer-lasting hit of dopamine than doing something for yourself and can undoubtedly help you to feel more positive.
Your mind is a powerful tool, so visualise the best-case scenario
If you’re seeking a real-life change, consider a career or course in coaching and using your past-experiences, negative or not to help and empower others.
For more information, visit The Coaching Masters plan, an in-depth online resource which can help anyone to train as a coach and develop a niche unique to them which draws upon their life experiences and knowledge to offer effective and personable coaching which can help to change the life of others.
#7 Visualise the best-case scenario
Visualising the future you want is a powerful way to not only look forward to it happening, but actually help make it a reality.
When you set an intention, you start to make all kinds of micro decisions to move toward it. Your mind is a powerful tool, so visualise the best-case scenario and do everything you can to make it happen.
Lewis Raymond-Taylor, Life Coach and Co-Founder of The Coaching Masters, an interactive, online training platform and community that gives you the tools you need to change your life, become successful, and help others in the process.
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