How to Release Negative Thoughts

Even if you're a healthy, sane person, you can have negative thoughts often. Negative thoughts can be hard to get rid of and can ruin your day, week or entire life if you let them. Thoughts of stress, work, guilt, money problems or relationship issues burden your mind and take a toll on your happiness, productivity and health. If you try, you can release negative thoughts without pills, therapy or a lobotomy.

Instructions

• 1

  Write down your negative thoughts. Determine what specifically is burdening you. Often, people dwell on negative things that are not their fault or that have nothing to do with them.

• 2

  Address your negative thoughts by reminding yourself that your problems are not your fault or that they are out of your control. Breathe deeply and let yourself think of other things.

• 3

  Stay busy by doing household chores or fun activities. Do something that will keep your mind occupied and make you feel good.

• 4

  Spend time with friends who have positive attitudes and who care about your well-being. Discuss your problems with your close friends or family so you can work together on positive thinking.

• 5

  Stay positive by turning negative thoughts around to constructive ones. If you lost your job or didn't get a promotion you had hoped for, realize that it is not the end of the world, even though it may seem like it. Sometimes missed or lost opportunities open doors for bigger, better things.