Do You Get Stuck In Negative Thought Patterns?

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• POSITIVE AND PRACTICAL PROBLEM-SOLVING: Instead of reliving the situation, write down what you can do to change things for the better. Remember, you can only do YOU … you cannot control the behavior of others so let that go along with the negative thought pattern. Baby steps count … the point is to be practical with solution-based strategies.

• IMMEDIATE DISTRACTION: Call a friend, do a project, watch a movie, read a book, exercise with music.

do you get stuck

• PERSPECTIVE: We are a

in NEGATIVE

thought patterns?

HERE’S SOME HELP!

tiny blue dot, third rock from the sun … in in nite space, just oating. Everything’s important but none of it matters! Will this situation matter next week? Next year? If you sit and contemplate what is really “wrong” in your life, you just might be presently surprised to realize everything is A-OK!

• FAITH, PRAYER, AND MEDITATION: HUGE, HUGE, and HUGE! Research has shown for decades that those who have a strong faith and can consistently and e ectively pray or meditate a few minutes each day, dramatically improve their mental and physical health.

Ruminating thought is the process of continuously thinking about the same negative thoughts over and over in a seemingly endless cycle. Even when you want to stop thinking about the situation, your egoistic brain constantly intrudes with the negative thought patterns. A habit of rumination can be dangerous to your mental and physical health, and it can prolong or intensify depression—further limiting your ability to function productively and process your emotions effectively.

And it’s important to stop these destructive thoughts as quickly as possible; the body will regain its positive energy if you can stop the thoughts from deteriorating further. It’s important physically and mentally to control negative thought patterns. So how do we do this? Here are a few suggestions from the American Psychological Association (www.apa.org) ---

• THERAPY: For so many, especially during the pandemic, mental health has become a rsttime issue to address, and that comes with its own dose of fear and uncertainty. Seeking help is strength … Seeking help is courage de ned! w

• PERSONAL TRIGGERS:

Every time you nd yourself ruminating, make a mental note of the situation—where are you? What time of day is it? Who’s around (if anyone) and what have you been doing that day?