We all get stuck in them from time to time – negative thoughts. Perhaps someone has cheated us or otherwise done us wrong. Perhaps the chaos in the world makes us feel severely threatened. Perhaps we get caught up in self-recrimination.

It all has a similar effect:  Negativity robs us of energy and steals our peace of mind. It gobbles up a lot of brainpower that could be used more effectively elsewhere. We wind up radiating unhappiness, which, in turn, pushes people away.

Worse than that, neurobiologists tell us that negative thinking has a toxic effect on the body.  These thoughts can lead to illness such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, skin problems, and allergies. They also create poor sleep, memory issues, and decreased immune system.

Here are some simple methods to change negative thoughts: 

1. Use EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to tap away those negative, recurring thoughts i.e.
   • Even though I am having these thoughts, I completely love and accept myself.
   • Even though these thoughts are bothering me, I forgive and honor myself.
   • Even though this negativity is taking me down, I will move on from this.
   • If you are new to my practice and my newsletter, you can find my five articles on EFT here.
2. Replace that thought. In other words, become the observer of your mind. When a negative thought comes up, immediately follow with a positive thought. i.e.
   • “What if I fail that exam?”
   • Replace with: “What if I do great on that exam? And if so, what kind of reward shall I give myself?”
3. Throw it away. Write those thoughts down on a piece of paper. Crumple the paper and throw it into the trash. Or set it on fire. In an article in the journal “Psychological Science”, experiments conducted at Ohio State University and Universidad de Madrid were detailed showing that things written down and then tossed were most likely to be forgotten.
4. Talk to someone.  Sometimes just talking to a close friend, family member or even a counselor about your upset can alleviate your negative feelings. Coming from an objective perspective, other people can often offer valuable advice.
5. Employ distraction. When I was going through a divorce, I decided to write a novel. When I began to focus on how angry I was toward my soon-to-be ex, I would catch myself and say, “Wait! What am I going to do about that plot in chapter 7?” OR “How should I have my heroine react to the bad news?” I would take my mind, like a naughty child, and distract it to think about something else. Be creative in the way you choose to distract yourself.

One or two of these methods will work on most of your issues. I am particularly impressed with the power of EFT, and I use it with clients on a regular basis. I also use it for myself. But the other four methods can be powerful, too. Try them and let me know what you think.

Dr.Robin@CompassionateClearing.com