How do I prevent negative thinking?

Negative thinking comes from self doubt, personally I think working on your self esteem, mindset and view on life helps to solve this

You can try some thought stopping exercises where you replace the negative thought patterns with positive ones. Talk to a CBT specialist if you can afford it.

"Negative thinking" is all about what you deem it to be. For example, some people think that being given more hours at work is a good thing while others think it's a bad thing; all for different personal reasons of course. If you think about the reasons as to why you think your thoughts are negative, then perhaps you can work around them. You first have to decide whether or not your negative thoughts are rational or not. You may require help from a friend or family member if you feel as though you can't trust your own emotions on the matter. Remember, to regret the past is to fear the future.

Unfortunately you can't! (sorry!) Scientists recommend that we think around 60,000 – 80,000 thoughts a day, and yet were not really aware of how many thoughts are running through our brains. Often we are thinking and don't realise that we are - so much of it is just automatic. What we can do though is try and be aware of some of those negative thoughts that keep popping up. We can either challenge them (since most of them aren't true!) or we can acknowledge that they are just thoughts and we don't have to hook onto them or let us ruin our day.

Negative thinking is so easy to do and brings down your mood so fast. The easiest way to prevent negative thinking is to try and alter/change your outlook on life- if you look at it from a negative point, that's how your life is more than likely going to be. Start by taking a situation you've been thinking negatively about and think about the positives that were created or came out of it as well. If you can't think about any that's fine! Sometimes there are bad situation but remember it could always be worse, and for a lot of people in the world it is worse. If you try and see life from a more positive POV instead of always grey, a weight will be lifted off of your shoulders.

It's important to remember that negative thinking is natural. We all have our bad days, and that's okay! However, it becomes an issue when negative thoughts cloud our thinking, and should always be taken seriously. The truth is, it can't be prevented. Thoughts are unprovoked and pop into our heads without us even knowing sometimes- the more we try to prevent a thought, the more we think about it! In my experience, the best way to deal with negative thoughts is by taking a step back. Think, what is this thought, is there any reason and is there anything I can do to solve it? For example, say you saw something that upset you online, and it plays on your mind. What is the best course of action? In this instance, blocking the offensive post or person would mean this cannot pop up again, perhaps disabling the thoughts from occurring again. Of course, it isn't always as easy as pressing a button. If negative thinking is affecting you, it's always best to talk to someone. In my experience, family, friends or listeners on cups are amazing for helping! Every situation is different, and not everything can be solved by how I've suggested, however there is an answer. It's important you work with the people around you to solve the problem.

Release the emotion you feel is consuming you and thereby clouding your ability to think clearly and logically at the moment whether it is either anger, sadness, or both, through writing, drawing, scribbling, talking it out, shouting into a pillow or some other healthy and positive outlet for an emotionally cathartic release of emotions. If you are still consumed by negative thinking afterwards, create a cognitive-behavioral think, act and say chart to chart any type of negative thinking that may affect your daily normal functioning. Also, note the situation and ask yourself, "what can I do differently? How can I change my way of thinking?"

One way to prevent negative thinking is to think of the positive outcomes of your future, situations you're in, and your goals. For example, a big test is coming up and you may be stressed, anxious, and thinking about the "what-ifs." However, in this time, you can also think about the superior grade you're going to get and how your hard word is going to get paid off. Also, positive affirmations such as "I am loved", "I am cared for", "I am worthy", and "I am a warrior" can help bring the message to our brain that we can make a difference and bring ourselves to the best potential we have.

Try balance approach. For every negative thought that comes into your mind, think of something positive too. Even better, think about ten positive things for every one negative thought. It doesn't have to be huge stuffs. Small great things matter too. :) After a while, it'll become like a habit to you and I hope that you can counter that negative thinking. That's what I struggle with tol and this is the appraoch I am trying. Sometimes we can't help but getting negative thinking. But I believe we can balance it with more positive thoughts. Other important thing would be to evaluate your situation and surrounding. What gives you such negative thinking ? Gotta solve the problem from the root first.

I prevent negative thinking by saying aloud the complete opposite. You have to have a positive attitude in order to have a positive mind set. Instead of doubting yourself lift yourself up. You have to learn self confidence in order to help build others up. You can't love, and respect others if you don't love, and respect others. You have to learn self respect that's the key to channel your inner positive side. Everyone has one. No matter who you are you are. You are loved, and wanted just as much as the next person. You are important just like everyone else.