6 Ways To Stop Negative Thoughts (Negative Thinking)

Summary

This video from Psych2Go offers six strategies to combat negative thoughts and promote mental well-being. It starts with recognizing cognitive distortions like black and white thinking. Next, it suggests building distress tolerance to manage emotional responses to stress. The video also encourages reframing problems to shift perspectives. Self-soothing techniques, releasing self-judgment, and expressing thoughts through journaling or trusted conversations are highlighted as effective methods to overcome negativity. Sponsored by Endel, an app that uses neuroscience to create calming music, the video aims to help viewers achieve a more positive mindset.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Recognize cognitive distortions like black and white thinking to challenge negative thoughts.
• 🧘‍♀️ Build distress tolerance to manage your emotional state and respond to stress effectively.
• 🔄 Change the perception of problems by reframing them from negative to more hopeful viewpoints.
• 🎵 Utilize self-soothing coping skills such as affirmations, deep breathing, and grounding activities to combat stress.
• 📝 Release judgment and self-critical thoughts to promote self-acceptance and inner peace.
• 🗣️ Express your thoughts and feelings through journaling or confiding in trusted individuals to alleviate emotional burden.
• 👂 Be aware of physical symptoms of stress like rapid breathing or tension to take control before reacting.
• 💪 Take action based on healthy logic and long-term interests, not just temporary emotions.
• 🌟 Consider using tools like Endel, which is backed by neuroscience, to help calm your mind and improve sleep.
• 🔄 Redefine problems as challenges to take control and feel empowered in the face of adversity.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script?

The main issue discussed in the video script is how to overcome negative thoughts that can drive unnecessary fear and hinder one from being their best self.

What is the first method suggested to overcome negative thoughts?

The first method suggested is recognizing cognitive distortions, which involves being aware of and challenging thoughts that tend to be extreme or irrational.

Can you explain the concept of 'black and white thinking' as mentioned in the script?

'Black and white thinking' is a type of cognitive distortion where a person tends to view situations in extremes, without considering the nuances or middle ground, leading to negative thoughts.

What is distress tolerance and why is it important in managing negative thoughts?

Distress tolerance is a person's ability to manage their emotional state and response to stressors, including negative thoughts. It is important because it allows one to remain calm and in control of their emotions and actions, rather than being controlled by them.

How can one build distress tolerance according to the script?

Building distress tolerance involves being aware of stress symptoms in the body, such as labored breathing or tension, and taking a moment to regain control before responding to the situation.

What does the script suggest as a way to change the perception of a problem?

The script suggests reframing the problem from a negative perspective to a more hopeful one, such as redefining a problem as a challenge rather than a defeat.

What is the role of self-soothing coping skills in overcoming negative thoughts?

Self-soothing coping skills act as a first aid for stressful thoughts, helping to manage and reduce the impact of negative thoughts through techniques like affirmations, deep breathing, and engaging in grounding activities.

Why is it important to release judgment according to the video script?

Releasing judgment is important because holding onto destructive and judgmental thoughts about oneself can lead to self-comparison and feelings of inadequacy, which can negatively impact mental health.

How can expressing thoughts and feelings help in managing negative thoughts?

Expressing thoughts and feelings, either through journaling or talking to trusted individuals, can provide an outlet for negative emotions and prevent them from building up and negatively impacting daily life.

What is the significance of the Endel app mentioned in the script?

The Endel app is mentioned as a tool that uses neuroscience technology to create personalized soundscapes that can help calm the mind and promote deep sleep, which can be beneficial for managing stress and negative thoughts.

What are some examples of self-soothing coping skills mentioned in the script?

Examples of self-soothing coping skills mentioned in the script include using affirmations, practicing deep breathing, engaging in cognitive activities like puzzles, and participating in grounding physical activities.