How to get rid of bad thoughts: advice from a psychologist

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

Bad thoughts in the head appear for a variety of reasons. They can sit in the subconscious for a long time and interfere with a normal life. Therefore, they must be driven away. Learn how to get rid of bad thoughts in several ways.

The influence of bad thoughts on life

Thinking of a negative nature is very difficult to control. They interfere with rest, do not give rest even in a comfortable environment. This can lead to a deterioration not only in mental he alth, but also in physical he alth. A person becomes irritable, absent-minded, suspicious, quick-tempered, he develops more and more new diseases.

Also, constant thinking about the bad takes too much time. Although it could be spent on really important things. A person gets stuck in his experiences and does not move forward. Thoughts are material. Negative thoughts only attract troubles and realize fears.

"Don't take the bad in your head and heavy in your hands" - so they say among the people, and for good reason. The head must be freed from pessimistic thoughts, and one should not overload oneself with physical labor in order to saveyour he alth. Yes, and bad thoughts always entail dire consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to get rid of the negative.

Reasons for bad thoughts

All anxiety has a source. It needs to be determined in order to understand how to proceed further. Very often, a negative story from the past interferes with life. The person feels guilt (although it may be far-fetched) and constantly worries about it.

For other people, negativity becomes a trait. They are also called complainers. They love to introspect and have been pessimists since childhood.

Negative personality traits also poison life. It can be self-doubt, in which any event or decision becomes a test. In the same vein, suspiciousness can be considered. Anything can put anxiety in such a person's head, from a news report to a conversation of random passers-by.

Of course, real problems that a person cannot solve can also become a source. Waiting for the outcome just makes you nervous, drawing not the most optimistic scenarios in your head.

But religion in its own way explains why bad thoughts are constantly in my head. It is believed that the cause of obsessions and experiences is an unclean force, demons. They need to be fought in an unconventional way - prayer.

Let's look at a few techniques that psychologists recommend using when bad thoughts appear.

Calculation

The first step to solving the problem- understand what causes anxiety. The reasons can be very deep, so it is better to visit a psychologist. But you can try to cope on your own. To do this, on a piece of paper you need to write in two columns all your fears: real and fictional, and then opposite each one - his decision, that is, what needs to be done so that anxiety does not come true.

For example, how to get rid of bad thoughts about an open window or an open stove? Double check this action before leaving home every time.

Decision

Often negative thoughts come from unresolved issues. If you can find a way out of the situation, then you need to act. Bad thoughts about the problem will go away as soon as it is solved. But, unfortunately, many are often accustomed to complaining and doing nothing to change the situation. If you are reading this article, then this is not about you. You are definitely ready to act, and you will succeed. All you have to do is identify the source of the disturbance.

Acceptance

Not all problems are solvable, sometimes nothing depends on the person. For example, a relative or friend is in the hospital and is fighting for his life. In such a situation, it is perfectly normal to be worried. The way out is to accept negative thoughts. You need to realize what you are really experiencing, and this is not unusual.

Do bad thoughts come into your head? Accept them and live with them. But you do not need to give them free rein, otherwise they will master the behavior. It is better, as it were, to observe negative messages from the outside, without a subsequent reaction to them. The essence of this technique is action, not savoring.reflections. So do your best and leave the rest to chance.

Delete and replace

This method will require a little awareness and understanding of your emotions. As soon as you feel that negativity appears in your head, then immediately remove it, as if throwing garbage into a bucket. You need to try not to get hung up on thoughts, not to develop this topic, but try to forget about it. The best assistant in this matter will be substitution. The point is to start thinking about something pleasant, positive, or at least neutral.

With this technique, there is no need to figure out how to get rid of bad thoughts. They are not fed, but replaced by other events. Each time it will get easier and better. And after some time, consciousness will begin to use this method automatically.

Delay

No wonder they say that the morning is wiser than the evening. Sometimes it's best to postpone your thoughts until later. For example, if you can't sleep because of bad thoughts, promise yourself that you will definitely think about it tomorrow. If the problem is not particularly serious, then the brain will easily agree with this proposal. With a high probability, in the morning the negative will no longer worry and will even resolve itself.

This is a very simple but effective technique. It can be applied in many situations. It makes no sense to think about what will become insignificant in the future. Realizing this, it is much easier to throw the negative out of your head. For serious problems, this method is not suitable. It is better for them to find solutions.

Suppression

Imperceptibly bad thoughts appeared in my head, what to do then? It is necessary to suppress the desire to be upset as quickly as possible in order not to develop an unpleasant topic. To do this, you need to put aside all your affairs, count to thirty and take five deep exhalations and inhalations. The brain needs time to comprehend the subject of thought, so as not to draw irrational conclusions and unreasonable actions.

If anxiety still persists, then repeat all steps. If possible, get out of the room and take a short walk. This will allow you to put your thoughts in order and even distract from the negative.

Reduction to absurdity

You can try the exact opposite technique. On the contrary, you need to completely immerse yourself in bad thoughts and consider what such a bad thing can happen as a result. It is most effective to represent the most ridiculous, absurd situations. Use your imagination, use exaggeration, make your thoughts bright.

For example, you need to pass an important interview. It is clear that many at such moments are visited by bad thoughts. Imagine in colors what kind of failure can expect. The head of the personnel department, as soon as he sees your resume, starts shouting loudly and throwing tomatoes. You decide to escape from such a shame and run out of the office. But then the cleaner throws a wet rag at you, because you trampled the entire floor. From surprise, you fall, get up and run again. And then you are abducted by aliens and taken to another planet.

Absurd, isn't it? But that's exactly whatexaggeration robs negative thoughts of power. One has only to try to be convinced of the effectiveness of the technique.

Wording on paper

Also, psychologists recommend putting all your bad thoughts on paper. You need to write them down in detail, in all colors and details. The more often we formulate experiences, the less often we return to them. So, they will worry less and less. Bad thoughts on paper should be considered a passed stage, so the sheet can be torn or burned.

Sometimes it's more efficient not to destroy records. In some situations, it is better to fill in two columns on the sheet - negative and positive thoughts, in order to compare them later. The first is negative experiences. And in the second - pleasant. It can also be some positive attitude. For example, "I'm smart", "I'm good at my job", "I'm a great wife" and so on.

You can write down only your good qualities on paper and place it in a conspicuous place (on your desktop or in the bathroom). As soon as bad thoughts appear, immediately take a look at this list to remind yourself of the good.

Positive social circle

Pay attention to the people around you. Think about whether there are those among acquaintances and friends that cause negative thoughts. If you count even a few such people, then you should not blame yourself and upset yourself even more. Whatever the true cause of the behavior, relationships with these people are detrimental to mental he alth. Experts recommend temporarily avoiding thesepersonalities. If during this period your mood and well-being improved, then it would be better to end the relationship with them.

Don't hold on to people who constantly insult, ridicule, disrespect your hobbies and time. Let it be better for you to have one friend, but a positive one, and you don’t have to think about how to remove bad thoughts. Cheerful people always bring back good memories, cheer up and charge with positive energy.

There are also universal ways that perfectly help to cope with bad thoughts. Psychologists also recommend actively using them. They bring feelings into balance with mild anxiety, and in more complex cases, they only enhance the effect of the above techniques. Their main mechanism is distraction. Perhaps, these methods will be familiar to many from personal practice.

Positive music

Scientific studies have proven that you can drown out bad thoughts with a pleasant melody. Therefore, determine for yourself the best music channel or wave on the radio, and also create a playlist of positive songs in your gadget. As soon as you feel that disturbing thoughts enter your mind, turn on the music loudly and cheer yourself up.

Interesting and useful activities

A favorite hobby or some business will help to distract from fears and anxieties. It can be any activity that brings pleasure (dancing, singing, cycling, needlework, reading books, growing flowers, and more).

Some people get rid of stupid thoughts by dirty work - cleaning the house. They start washing dishes, floors, dusting, cleaning cupboards and so on. Unloved business will brighten up, of course, positive music. So evil thoughts will receive a double blow and disappear in one moment.

Physical activity

Sport is a great way to get rid of bad thoughts. Physical activity relieves adrenaline, unloads the nervous system, and therefore relieves stress well. In addition, with regular exercises, a beautiful toned body will be a pleasant bonus. Such psychological relief, combined with the awareness of one's attractiveness, increases self-confidence and reduces the number of reasons for concern. Just don't overload yourself too much. Do not forget about moderation and good rest, so as not to leave room for negative experiences.

Proper nutrition

It is drink and food that give us resources and strength for existence. An unbalanced diet, hunger or lack of fluids deplete the body and lead to fatigue. It is she who creates the conditions for experiences even on a minor occasion. Therefore, it is important to eat he althy food and drink he althy drinks (fruit drinks, freshly squeezed juices, compotes, green tea and clean water). In moments of sadness, it is worth pampering yourself with food antidepressants: chocolate, raisins, bananas, hazelnuts and what you yourself love. Psychologists say that delicious food also drives away bad thoughts.

Appeal to God

Religious people helpget rid of bad thoughts prayer. Only sincere conversion will become a powerful weapon in the fight against impure forces. Prayer will establish an energetic connection with the deity and drive away internal demons. Only here the moment of humility with what is happening is important, if certain circumstances do not suit you. If despair or despondency has become a problem, then higher powers should be addressed with gratitude. If you are offended or angry at another person, you should forgive him yourself and mention his pardon in prayer.

It is not necessary to know famous texts to get help from higher powers. It is enough to sincerely turn and express everything in your own words, then you will definitely be heard.

Now you know how to get rid of bad thoughts if they visit you. You can use psychological techniques, universal techniques or prayer if you are a religious person.