How to Control Negative Thoughts – Top 15 Ways to Stop
Last Update on October 26, 2023 : Published on May 21, 2020
How many of you constantly get negative thoughts? Let’s be real and help each other. I think we all are fully aware of the situation that we constantly try to control negative thoughts. To be honest, negative thoughts do not let us live in the moment or present and drains all the energy (even when we have not done anything productive).
No matter how hard we try to not fall in the trap of toxic thoughts, we somehow get into this. I have observed a lot of people and I have seen that people hope to find solace or solutions to their problems without doing anything about it. Being realistic is good but with negative thoughts, it makes things worse. So, I think we all should break the cycle of negative thoughts as soon we conclude that it is growing more day by day.
Now, the question arrives here is, how to stop negative thoughts. Through this blog, I am going to tell you 15 top ways to stop toxic thinking or thoughts.
Top 15 Ways to Get Rid of Negative Thoughts
1. Recognize the pattern
The first step is to recognize the pattern of your thoughts. The pattern means to identify the moment, time, or situations whenever you get negative thoughts so that you can work accordingly. Additionally, the fact is that when we aware of ourselves with Dark thoughts, 90% of the problems solve instantly. Take one step at a time, when you identify the pattern slowly move towards step 2.
2. Un-identify
Once you have identified the pattern of your negative thoughts, now you have to get rid of the trap of toxic thoughts. The motive of the second step is to dissociate you with negative thoughts. Start managing your thoughts.
3. Avoid complaining
This is the human tendency when something bothers them they start complaining about each and everything (even when it is already fixed). Since you know the pattern of your negative thoughts and have started to manage your thoughts, you might start now to stop complaining, instead, start working on solutions. Remember, one step at a time. This way you can easily able to control your mind from dark thoughts.
4. Take the responsibility
I know the situation you are fighting with is hard, but remember that there is always a way and you have to find that. Instead of having negative thoughts, take ownership of your problem, and start working on the solution.
5. Acknowledge
The positive fact about everything bad is that negative thoughts or negative people are temporary. You don’t have to feel pity instead feel proud of yourself that you didn’t break yet and you took yourself to this level with all the positivity you have. Step 5 is to acknowledge your demons and tag them as “temporary” in your life. Trust me this is the best way to overcome your negative thoughts.
6. Surround yourself with positive people
The best way to avoid negative thoughts is to surround yourself with positive people. Surround yourself with people who support you and motivate you to be a better person. Such people are gems if you have them already in your life; keep them because they are actually “your person”.
7. Stop generalizing
Whenever something happens to you or has happened with you stop holding to your past and start living into the present. Life is full of surprises and if you will hold on to the past, you will not be able to enjoy the present. Therefore, stop generalizing, learn from your mistakes, and with a positive smile move on.
8. Talk
How often it happens that you isolate yourself and don’t talk about your problems or issues. I know it happens most of the time. Let me tell you that this does not work; if you really want to know how to control your negative thoughts you should talk it out. Talk about everything which bothers you or does not bother you… It doesn’t matter! Talk it out!
9. Follow healthy rituals
If you really want to stop negative thoughts, follow healthy routine like stop using social media or devices before 1 hour to bed. Do not use the phone in bed, wake up early, practice yoga or meditation (I personally love to dance, I am not a yoga person) so you can do whatever makes you feel positive and happy. Just remember, the routine you are following has to be healthy.
10. Remove some words
Remove some of the negative words from your life like ‘I can’t’. Seriously, I think removal of these words is the best way to avoid negative thoughts. Try it and you will see in a few days how positive your life is and dark thoughts will be completely removed from your life. You can also follow this if you want to build self-confidence.
11. Other’s opinions do not matter
Meanwhile, you talk with people about your problems, the conversation will never be one-sided, and so you have to play wise here. Focus on what people say and apply what you think is right for you. Additionally, if you really wish to remove negative thoughts from your life start living life on your terms and remember other’s opinions do not matter!
12. Learn from the past
My elders used to say that don’t hold on to your past, learn from it, and move on. And it actually works. Try it!
13. Improve
When you are willing to move and learn how to control negative thoughts, add one more ingredient in this step i.e., improvement. If you stress out a lot, try stress management and keep on improving.
14. Follow something which provides meaning
Having a meaningless life is like pizza without cheese! I know I might be bad with examples here but trust me add meaning to your life or follow something which provides meaning to your life. It will add happiness and positivity like I said pizza with a lot of cheese!
15. Be grateful
Last but not the least; be grateful for things you love. Be a keeper and be grateful! Or you can also maintain a gratitude diary.
I hope this blog helps you to control or stop your negative thoughts. Comment down and let us know about how you battled with your inner demons.
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Thanks for reading and being positive.
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About The Author
Aayushi Kapoor
Aayushi is a Content Creator at Calm Sage. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology and a Master's Degree in Clinical Nutrition. Her constant interest in the improvement of mental health, nutrition, and overall wellness embarked upon her career as a “full-time educational writer.” She likes to make an asynchronous connection with her readers. Her mantra for living life is "What you seek is seeking you".
First of all thank you for this blog. I was going through a bad time and then got to read your blog. It helped me in many ways. There are some really nice points you have mentioned such as we must fight our own demons, communication is the key, never dwell in the past. Keep up your good work ✌️✌️
Lately, I have realised how important it is to be grateful, even for negative things... but, please write a blog that can even help ua fight negativity through gratitude.