Your mind is the most powerful tool you have for the creation of good in your life, but if not used correctly, can also be the most destructive force in your life. To control your thoughts means to influence the way you live your life.
Your mind, more specifically, your thoughts, affects your perception and therefore, your interpretation of reality.
Unwanted thoughts can bring about a lot of anxiety and stress. There are many people who want to eliminate them. It's common to have difficulty finding the motivation to glance up whenever you're feeling depressed under pressure or other issues.
Although actual mind control is in the world of science-fiction however, you are able to try to alter your mental outlook. It could take some time to master the art of regaining control However, the 10 methods below will help.
1. Identify the thoughts you want to change
It's a given that you must determine what's going on in your mind before you begin to take control of it.
A few disruptive thoughts are normal as are a variety of other intrusive thoughts. They can be a bit distressing However, they tend to disappear as fast as they appear, especially when you aren't involved with them.
Some other troubling patterns of thought could be:
thoughts or looping thoughts
Cognitive biases or mistakes in your thinking that could impact your choices or your interactions
a fixed pessimistic outlook
2. Accept unwanted thoughts
Human nature is to shy away from pain; naturally, you'd like to stay away from thoughts that can bring you distress.
But putting off thoughts that cause anxiety isn't a way to achieve control. It usually only causes them to become more intense.
Instead, try this alternative Take them in and let them enter.
You may feel depressed since nothing seems to be going in as you had planned, despite your best efforts.
Acceptance may involve declaring to yourself "Nothing is working This is discouraging. There's only the amount it's possible to change for yourself however, giving up completely isn't the solution either."
3. You can try meditation
A fantastic way to develop the habit of letting go of negative thoughts? Meditation.
It might not be obvious that meditation is actually helping you manage your mind at first, particularly when you begin.
You relax, you sit but regardless of how hard you try to calm your mind the thoughts of random thoughts pop into your mind in order to keep you away from the tranquility you're trying to attain.
4. Change your perspective
Self-talk can help in changing your attitude However, how you communicate with yourself is important.
If addressing you in the first person does not appear to have any impact Try changing your perspective to the third person. For instance:
instead of "I feel miserable, but I've been through worse, so I can deal with this, too."
Use: "I know you are suffering at this moment however, you've been working hard to face other difficulties. I'm sure you've got the courage to tackle this new challenge, too."
It may feel uncomfortable, but this cognitive method of reappraisal provides Trusted Source with some significant advantages.
5. Make sure you focus on the positive aspects
Positive reframing is yet another method of reappraisal that can assist you in regaining control of your mental outlook.
If you slipped in wet leaves and crashed off your bike while training for an event. There were no life-threatening injuries, but you did fracture your ankle.
This means you are out of commission for a few weeks, which leaves you frustrated and annoyed about your reckless riding.
The blame game will only cause you to feel more miserable. Self-compassion however will allow you to take the defeat with grace and focus your attention on your next chance.
6. Explore guided imagery
Guided images are a technique for meditation that lets you envision positive peaceful situations to help promote an improved state of mind.
If you're calmer, you will find it easier to maintain peace and get back control of your mind and your overall outlook.
Start with this easy exercise:
Sit down and relax Sitting down is the best. Then, close your eyes.
Take some slow, deep breaths. Keep breathing exactly like this while you make your visual image.
Utilizing a variety of sensory elements Make a soothing picture in your head. Find something that makes you feel calm whether it's the lakeside at the home you grew up in or the well-traveled path in the park you love or a lush crisp autumn day. Create the scene in full detail by incorporating the smells, sounds, and sensations of the air you breathe.
Imagine yourself walking around the scene that you've designed taking in your surroundings with a keen eye and absorbing every minute aspect.
Take a deep breath, and let the calm of the moment take over and help you to relax.
Spend 10-15 minutes just enjoying your photo.
Complete the exercise by taking some deep breaths, then take a moment to open your eyes.
7. Write it down
Writing your thoughts down might not alter your state of mind right away however, it can assist you in gaining control of negative emotions.
The act of writing down your thoughts can often lessen the impact. It may be uncomfortable to confront and accept your feelings, However, but writing those thoughts in writing will allow you to recognize these feelings in a more indirect way.
8. Try to focus on distractions
It's not a good idea to be distracted your mind in all situations and it's not wise to focus on your thoughts while you're at an employee's presentation by playing a game on your smartphone.
In certain situations, however, focus-focused distractions can be helpful in directing your thoughts and enhancing your state of mind. Certain kinds of distractions can increase motivation and efficiency.
9. Manage stress
When events beyond your control create stress in your daily life, it usually becomes harder to manage your mental state.
Stress and worry can lead to negative thoughts. This could lead to increased anxiety, leading to a vicious spiral that quickly becomes overpowering.
Take control of your life by identifying the main causes of stress in your life, and identifying possibilities to either eliminate or lessen the stressors.
10.Talk to a therapist
Controlling your thoughts can be simpler said than done.
Find a therapist that can provide:
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy that is based on mindfulness
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
psychodynamic therapy
These strategies are specifically designed to assist people in becoming more comfortable with engaging and reframing harmful thinking.