A negative mindset causes can give the illusion that problems are larger than they are, which can make for a troubling cycle to get stuck in. Therefore, learning to shift negative thoughts to positive thoughts is essential. Although, having a positive mindset does not mean that you will never feel sad or distressed.
Part of overcoming distressing emotions takes learning how to feel your emotions, even the negative ones. The important thing is to avoid becoming stuck in your negative thoughts.
Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a good place to start developing a positive outlook. Being grateful even for small things is a building block to hold onto when things become stressful. Some things to be grateful for include:
- Another day sober
- Friends and family that support you
- Your pet
- Having a comfy bed
- Your favorite meal
Focus on What You Can Control
It is important to realize that sometimes things happen that you cannot control; therefore, focus on what you can control and how you respond when things go wrong. Make it a habit to practice focusing on positive actions you can take during hard times instead of letting fear get a foothold over what you cannot control.
Persistence and Resilience
Everything you experience in life starts with your intentions. If you want your life to remain as positive as possible, keep your intentions positive and be grateful. Choose to be resilient in the face of troubles.
It is essential to remain in the moment and not allow fear to creep in. You have to actively choose resilience; choosing resilience allows you to face life head-on, control the things you can control, and learn from the things outside of your control.
How Can We Learn Resilience?
Resiliency is not learned in a day. Like any skill worth having, it takes time to develop and a lifetime to perfect. Ways in which you can cultivate more resiliency in your life include:
- Learning to accept things as they are, not as you wish them to be. Accepting a situation allows you to focus your energy on what you can control.
- Focus on what you can control and take action using past experiences and what actions allowed you to succeed in the past. Remembering past success and using it as a guide to navigating a new reality will help you cope and move forward.
- Accept your feelings and emotions, even the negative ones. Suppressing negative emotions helps nothing. When you sit with unpleasant emotions, eventually they will pass.
- Allow yourself to grieve and accept losses.
- Realize that the crisis is not who you are, it is simply what your current life experience is, and it will pass.
- Break the problem down and start with just one small step. Celebrate when you achieve even the smallest goals, it will help lift you up and keep going forward.
At The Guest House, we believe that it is not the thought that defines you, it is how you respond to difficult thoughts that you will discover what you can truly accomplish. Our integrated approach to care will allow you the opportunity to develop the necessary tools to navigate challenging emotions. If you are currently struggling and need help, do not wait any longer. Our admissions staff is here to help you with your first step toward living the life you deserve. To learn more, call us today at (855) 483-7800.