Caught in a loop of negative thoughts? Learn how to break free

It is a natural tendency of our mind to think. But if you start focusing on the negatives of your life, your mind will start hankering in that direction and you can end up getting stuck in a vicious loop of negativity. Your mind is like a magnet. It attracts what you think and your aura is created by your thoughts. A fogged mind that is cluttered with negativity fails to take notice of the beauty of life. A negative mind only highlights the flaws and imperfections of life, and so, a person falls deep into that pit of ingratitude. That constant negative chatter in your mind feels hard to break.

Health Shots got in touch with clinical psychologist Dr Kamna Chhibber to understand how to reduce negative thoughts in the mind.

Tips to reduce negative thoughts

Negative thoughts can easily make you feel anxious and can have a detrimental impact on the quality of your life. However, nothing is impossible. If you find yourself stuck in a deep eddy of low-energy thoughts, read on!

1. Take a pause and step back

“Take a pause and step away from the situation that is causing you to get stuck in a loop of negative thoughts,” shares Dr Chhibber.

When you feel yourself deeply falling into a negative mindset, every positive thing around feels blurred. It is only when you emerge and rise above from such a mindset that you will be able to see things. When any situation feels bad and robs away your peace of mind, gather the courage to step back from it to be able to see things.

2. Break the pattern

A negative thought just doesn’t stop there. Another one follows and then you become a part of the loop. Remember that only you can dare to break that pattern. Also, you can never heal with the same mindset that made you negative in the first place. Distraction techniques work best. Constantly distract yourself from the chatter inside your mind by engaging in different activities that push and challenge you. It might feel hard and daunting at first. But once you learn to take charge of your mind and thoughts, the success will be yours.

“You can physically shift from the space you are in to change the environment which can break the thought pattern as well,” suggests the expert.

Also read: Are you stuck in the vicious cycle of overthinking? It’s risky, warns an expert

3. Overthinking will never solve the issue

It is rightly believed that overthinking is nothing but the art of creating problems that weren’t even there in the first place. When you find yourself constantly whining and worrying, remember that is bringing more harm to you than good.

4. Speak to someone for help

When you find it hard to come out of that situation single-handedly, it’s never a bad choice to seek help. You may speak to someone else who is in a calmer and better state of mind to share your experience and gain a better perspective. Consulting an expert is an even better idea, as speaking to some professional will help you learn various coping mechanisms to get out of that loop of negativity, and improve the quality of your life.