If there is a way you can change that negative chatter in your head and instead train your mind to reverse that negative chatter into something empowering, how different your life will be?

Question

I would love to know...

Anne Marie Begley · Answer

Great question.  I've been working with a coach on this type of thing.  Some advice she has given me is, once you're aware of it, stop it and replace with a phrase like 'the old me would have ______ and the new me choose to _______'.  Also, think of how a highly functioning person would handle it (hint:  this will be you one day after practicing).  And it is a practice.  Also make time to breath, take breaks, take emotion of our whatever you can.  I personally have an app on my phone that serves up motivational phrases throughout the day.  Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

Acknowledging that you have the negative chatter in your head is such an important step. Once you've become aware of it, you can then confront it and actively replace it with something more positive.

Have you used any strategies in the past or heard of any you think might be helpful?

Stacey Darling · Answer

Once aware that the 'tape' is running-stop, and replace those negative thoughts with positive thoughts or affirmations. By being mindful of my inner monologue and making conscious effort, I have alleviated the negative chatter. As a result, I am, overall, more positive in my outlook, I feel happier and more confident in myself. It can be done, I believe, if one wants to.

Keila Alvarado · Answer

Search for audios or videos on meditation and self-affirmations to say out loud. That could tune negative thoughts out. Good luck!

Rose Robinson · Answer

I too agree that acknowledgment is the first step. Don’t be so hard on your self at first. Change is hard and you are taking an important step forward. Simply catching yourself doing it and being in the moment is a huge. I recommend reading S.O.S Help for Emotions by Lynn Clark.  It’s an excellent book I have found most helpful in my life.

Anonymous · Answer

I agree with others that acknowledging the negative self-talk is a first step toward stopping it.

Tactics that people have used:

1. Thought stopping. Take an action to disconnect (examples: 1)keep a rubber band around your wrist and snap it to “disconnect” yourself from the negative thought; 2)”remove” yourself from the negative thought by mentally hitting a “re-set” button, or thinking of being in a calming setting or with a person who makes you feel calm and happy.)

2. Recognize where the negative thought came from, challenge it, and replace it with something positive. It might come from a past or current person in your life, or from a difficult past event. I
    Examples:
    -This thought comes from when my father/mother/parents used to criticize me for _____.  But my life has changed and that criticism is no longer valid.  Now I’m _____ (insert positive belief.)
    -This thought is the voice of the critical teacher who never liked me.  But I’ve left that person behind and their voice is no longer helpful to me. I’m replacing that critic with a helpful voice, that says: ______ (insert helpful message.)
   -This thought comes from my anxiety about ________ (insert difficult event.) But my anxiety isn’t helpful to me anymore. I’m replacing that anxiety with the following positive thoughts: _____ (insert positive thoughts.)

3. After a little practice, it will become easier to automatically replace the negative voice with the positive beliefs.

4. Try “tapping”— accompanies positive thoughts with tapping on specific acupressure points.  There are many websites that explain how to do “tapping.”  Many people find it beneficial in helping to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

If there is a way you can change that negative chatter in your head and instead train your mind to reverse that negative chatter into something empowering, how different your life will be?

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