As humans, we have around 60,000 thoughts every single day. Of those, 75% or 45,000 are repetitive. How do we turn those around to be more positive new thoughts?

Every day, our minds are flooded with a constant stream of thoughts, ranging from mundane daily tasks to deeper contemplations about life and the world around us. According to research, the average person has approximately 60,000 thoughts per day. But what is truly concerning is that 75% of these thoughts are negative, and 95% are repetitive. Many of our negative thoughts are driven by the flight or fight part of our brain. This constant barrage of negative and repetitive thoughts can significantly impact our mental health, happiness, and overall quality of life.

The Impact of Negative and Repetitive Thoughts

Negative thoughts can significantly impact our mental health and overall wellbeing. They can lead to increased stress and anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and a general sense of unhappiness and dissatisfaction with life. Moreover, repetitive thoughts can become deeply ingrained in our minds, making it difficult to change our thought patterns and break free from negative thinking. This negativity can result in a feeling of being stuck, unable to move forward, and a lack of motivation to change our circumstances. 

Strategies for Turning Negative and Repetitive Thoughts Around

Fortunately, it is possible to break free from negative and repetitive thinking patterns and cultivate more positive and new thoughts. In this article, we will explore the impact of these negative and repetitive thoughts and provide some practical strategies for turning them around and cultivating more positive and new thoughts.

1. Engage in Positive Self-Talk - The way we talk to ourselves can have a significant impact on our thoughts and feelings. Instead of engaging in negative self-talk, try to focus on positive self-talk. Look for the positives and hold onto them. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments and give yourself credit for your efforts and successes.
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts - An effective strategy for breaking free from negative thinking patterns is to challenge negative thoughts. Often, our negative thoughts are not based on reality but on our perceptions and beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. By challenging these thoughts and examining them critically, we can gain a more balanced perspective and reduce their power over us. Remember, you can tell your mind things. If you tell your mind something positive and keep repeating the positive, the mind will accept it.
3. Is there any negativity or cynicism in your daily life? - Take a look at your daily life. Is there any negativity or cynicism in your daily life? What is it? Who is it? Do not let others project their fears, negativity and anger onto you. Stay away from the news and media, which make out as if the world is about to end and civil war is about to break out. I do not do negativity. Negativity is not a healthy way to lead your life or move forward. I banish it from my home and stamp on it quickly if it starts to creep into conversations. I also ban any negativity on the trips and expeditions that I lead.
4. Practice Mindfulness - Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgement. It can be an effective way to break free from negative thinking patterns and cultivate a more positive mindset. When you practice mindfulness, you learn to observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them. You can then choose to let go of negative thoughts and focus on the present moment, which can help you feel more grounded, centred, and at peace.
5. Practice Gratitude - Gratitude is a powerful way to shift your mindset from negative to positive. When you focus on the good things in your life and express gratitude for them, you can cultivate a more positive outlook and reduce the power of negative thoughts. Consider starting a gratitude journal and writing down three things you are grateful for daily.
6. Focus on Solutions - When we dwell on problems, getting stuck in a negative thought cycle can be easy. Instead of focusing on the problem, try to focus on solutions. This strategy can help you shift your mindset from negative to positive and empower you to take action to change your circumstances. Do not wallow in self-pity. Do not play the ‘poor little me’ card. Find a positive solution and then lean into the metaphorical negative door that is blocking your way. It will open up and bring you improved happiness, but it might require a bit of effort and energy.
7. Get Fit - Exercise is a great way to start to feel positive. Triggering the endorphins in your body will help change your mindset. At a minimum, do 35 minutes of walking every single day. Build it up over time. It generally takes three days for your body to adapt to new exercise regimes. Keeping your heart rate in the aerobic zone rather than going flat out and taking your body into an anaerobic state is advisable.
8. Learn Something New - One effective way to cultivate more positive and new thoughts is to learn something new. This strategy could be a new skill, hobby, or topic of interest. By engaging in new activities and learning new things, you can break free from repetitive thinking patterns and cultivate a more positive outlook on life.

Our thoughts have a significant impact on our mental health and overall wellbeing. When 75% of our thoughts are negative and 95% repetitive, it can be challenging to break free from negative thinking patterns and cultivate a more positive life allowing you to move forward. However, there are several strategies we can use to break free from negative and repetitive thought patterns and cultivate more positive and new thoughts. These strategies include mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy, positive affirmations, gratitude journaling, and engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment. By cultivating more positive and new thoughts, we can improve our mental health, enhance our overall wellbeing, and live a more fulfilling life.

If you cannot break free from negativity, we can help you. Contact us now if you want help.