Table of Contents
Try Something New
Sometimes, the reason why people develop negative thoughts is because their mind is not engaged in more productive areas. Simply put, they are bored. Many people fall into boring day to day routines that lack new experiences. This can lead to depression and just generalized negativity. When you make an effort to engage in new activities, you can actually disrupt the pattern of negative emotions emitted from neuro-pathways in the brain, which alerts the brain to the change and can lead to a reduction in negative thinking.

Simple changes can be effective, such as trying new recipes, visiting a new restaurant, taking a different route when driving home from work and rearranging your furniture.
Work Through Your Problems
Many times, negativity arises from problems that persist in our daily lives. Coming up with an effective solution to just one looming problem can get you started on combating negativity for good. Try to come up with effective ways to combat your problems. Make a list of all of the issues that need addressing in your life and then list all of the possible solutions you can come up with. Address one problem at a time and keep chipping away at the list until you figure things out.
Remember Good Times
One way to switch gears form negative to positive almost instantly is to take a visual journey back in time to when things were good. Recall memories of times when you were healthy, happy and vibrant. This can instantly bring a smile to your face and improve your mood. To take it one step further and have a more lasting effect, try to recall what you were doing at the time that may have contributed to your positive lifestyle.
Add some of those factors back into your life. When you bring back some of the positive actions from back in the day, you can also bring back the positive feelings and emotions, which can lead to a permanent shift in your current emotional state.
Visualize Positive Thoughts
Sometimes it takes more than just positive thinking to disengage negativity. Using relaxation and imagery techniques can be helpful in bringing a positive outlook back in to your life. One effective measure is visualization technique in which you envision a switch. When the switch is down, positive emotions are shut off. When you visualize the switch being turned on, you are turning on your positive outlook. Force yourself to think of positive thoughts by envisioning things that make you happy. Create a mental picture in your head and allow yourself to really feel and appreciate the effects of those positive thoughts.
Set Goals
When we don’t have goals to keep us on track, it is easy to fall into a negative rut. Try to come up with a list of your interests and create some short and long-term goals. Make a commitment to pursuing those goals. Include simple goals such as losing a few pounds to more long-term goals such as running a marathon or searching out a new career.
Avoid Destructive Thoughts
Many times, a negative frame of mind develops because we do not know how to let go of our negative thoughts and ideas. Wanting to rid yourself of negativity is not the same thing as taking steps to eliminate negative thinking. After you decide that you are ready to rid yourself of negativity, you have to take steps to actually do so. Make conscious decisions to ignore negative thoughts and emotions and use every effort possible to bring positive thoughts and feelings back into your daily life.
Stay Away From Negative People
There is truth to the saying “misery loves company”. Stay far away from negative people who will spread their toxic energy to you. Surround yourself with positive people and absorb the positive energy they put out into the universe. Engage in fun activities with positive people and you will quickly pick up their positive vibe.
- Photo courtesy of sriram on: www.flickr.com/photos/sriram/2084815479
- Photo courtesy of arcticwarrior on: www.flickr.com/photos/arcticwarrior/6148140423
- www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/03/5-tips-for-getting-rid-of-negativity/
- www.lovesagame.com/get-rid-of-negativity-once-and-for-all/
- www.srichinmoybio.co.uk/blog/self-improvement/effective-ways-to-get-out-of-a-negative-mindset/
- www.smallbusiness.chron.com/effects-negativity-workplace-11655.html
- www.www.silvalifesystem.com/articles/negative-thinking/stop-negative-thinking/
- www.www.oprah.com/spirit/The-Law-of-Attraction-and-Negativity
- www.www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/08/15/how-to-stop-negativity-damaging-your-health_n_927315.html