5 Ways to Get Rid of Negative Thoughts

Remember in The Exorcist when the priest tries to drive the ghost out of the possessed child? Negative ideas require less work to eliminate, yet it can be a difficult battle. You cannot simply order them to leave; instead, you must devise a long-term strategy for pushing them away and keeping them out for good.

#1: Admit you have a problem

It can be very impossible to perform self-reflection on this subject because we rarely pay attention to our own words or body language. Make a two-sided chart to assess your level of self-defeatist attitude and negativity. On one side, jot down all of your positive ideas for the day. On the other hand, write down all of your negative thoughts. You'd be surprised how much negativity the ordinary person harbors in their mind.

#2: Exercise

Getting your body moving is helpful for improving your mood and thinking. You don't have to run a marathon or swim across the English Channel to make a difference...just get up, go for a stroll, do some jumping jacks, or dance. That's right...dance. Try turning on your favorite music and moving and grooving for a few minutes; notice if you feel any better afterwards.

#3: Practice Gratitude

If making a list of your thoughts was the first step in recognizing your negativity problem, creating a positive list may be the first step toward resolving it. Make a list of everything you're grateful for. Having problems making a list? What about your breath, pulse, sight, and all the other fundamental necessities we take for granted? When you start making your list, you will notice that it snowballs and fills your thoughts with happiness.

#4: Have a discussion about it

Find a friend, family member, therapist, or a sympathetic ear to listen to your issues without judgment or advice (unless you want it). You might also pray, journal, or create an art piece based on your emotions. Once they're out there, you'll find yourself oddly (or perhaps magically) free of negative thinking.

#5: Change your language

Take inventory of the terminology and phrases you use on a regular basis, like you did in point #1. Remove negative phrases and terms from your vocabulary and see how your ideas alter. You should also pay attention to your body language and posture. Avoid slouching, and most importantly, smile!