All of us have that specific person, this relative, friend, or acquaintance, that turns everything positive into something negative. You feel good and you tell this person about something nice that just happened to you and it will be turned into negativity in a second.
Negativity is a prevalent and debilitating force that can often feel like a heavy weight holding us down. Whether it's caused by external circumstances or our internal thoughts, negativity can affect our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
However, there are many ways to beat negativity and cultivate a more positive outlook on life.
Here are some practical steps to help you get started:
1. Identify negative patterns and triggers. We all have them.
The first step in beating negativity is to identify the patterns and triggers that cause negative thoughts or emotions. This might involve keeping a journal or recording your thoughts to help you recognize when and why you tend to feel negative. Once you have identified your triggers, you can work on avoiding them or finding ways to manage them more effectively.
2. Practice mindfulness and gratitude.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. This can help you to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions and to recognise negative patterns before they spiral out of control. Gratitude is also a powerful tool for cultivating positivity. Taking time to appreciate the good things in your life, no matter how small, can help shift your focus from the negative to the positive. I use this a lot, finding appreciation for the smallest thing.
3. Surround yourself with positivity.
The people and environments we surround ourselves with can significantly impact our mental state. Make a conscious effort to surround yourself with positive people who lift you up and support you. I have deliberately cut off ties with some people because they were always negative, always. And people who try to put you down, envious people, cut them loose.
Also, create a positive environment around you by decorating your workspace, home or room with things that make you happy. In my case, the first thing I see every morning is a picture of my children. It is also the last thing I see before falling asleep.
4. Practice self-care.
Self-care is an essential aspect of maintaining a positive mindset. Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health is essential to beating negativity. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat healthily, and take breaks when you need them. Also, engage in activities that make you happy and bring you joy. Again, this is something I do to keep positive.
According to science, sitting on the ground next to a tree gives you energy. Nature heals you so spend time there.
5. Challenge negative thoughts.
Negative thoughts can be insidious, and it can be challenging to overcome them. However, it's important to challenge these thoughts and replace them with more positive ones. For example, if you find yourself thinking "I'm not good enough," challenge that thought by reminding yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. This can help to rewire your brain to think more positively over time. In my case, I have a personality test I did a couple of years ago, which states “this is one of the strongest (perhaps THE strongest) profile we have ever tested.” If I have doubts about my capabilities I go back and read the test results.
6. Practice forgiveness and let go of grudges.
Holding onto grudges and resentment can be a significant source of negativity. Practising forgiveness, both for others and yourself can help you let go of negative emotions and move forward in a more positive direction. Sometimes you just have to let go.
7. Take action towards your goals.
Taking action towards your goals, no matter how small, can help you feel more positive and empowered. When you set goals and work towards them, you create a sense of purpose and meaning in your life. This can help you to focus on the positive aspects of your life, rather than dwelling on the negative. Taking one step towards your goals means that you are one step closer than you were before.
My conclusion, beating negativity requires a combination of awareness, intention, and action. By identifying negative patterns and triggers, practising mindfulness and gratitude, surrounding yourself with positivity, practising self-care, challenging negative thoughts, practising forgiveness, and taking action towards your goals, you can cultivate a more positive outlook on life. Remember, beating negativity is a journey, not a destination, so be patient and kind to yourself along the way.
Happy thought.
