Negative thoughts, especially about yourself, can be one of the worst things for your mental health. It’s normal to have bad days and it’s easy to be down on yourself in the midst of struggle, but working to end negative self-talk can make a dramatic difference in your mental wellbeing.
If you feel like you’re constantly bringing yourself down, consider the six tips below to help you end the negative self-talk.
Learn to catch it
We’re putting this one at the top of the list because it’s the first step to stopping negative self-talk. You have to become aware of how often it’s happening in order to cancel it. Negativity is an easily learned habit that can be just as easily unlearned. You just have to be intentional about shifting the habit.
Become your own best friend
The negative things you think about yourself? You would never say to your best friends. And you don’t deserve to have those things thought or said about you either! Start to treat yourself the way you would treat your best friend. Value yourself, and you will begin to believe you are worthy of being treated with kindness.
Remember that seasons change
Sometimes it can feel as though nothing will ever change and nothing will get better, but that’s not true. Life has seasons. Some seasons are harder than others, but the tough times won’t last forever. Be patient with yourself, and know you will come out on the other side stronger.
Don’t keep it inside
Find someone you can talk to about how you’re struggling with negativity. Telling someone will help you keep yourself accountable for how you talk about yourself. Confiding in someone who loves you will also allow them to remind you to speak kindly to yourself.
List out what you’re grateful for
To help put things in perspective, try writing lists to remind yourself of what you have to be grateful – not only in life but specifically about yourself. Are you kind? Are you patient with others? Do you love taking care of your friends? You have amazing qualities that you should recognize within yourself.
Speak out loud
There is power in affirmations. If you have gotten yourself stuck in a routine of speaking negatively, then work to reverse that. Be vocal about what you love about yourself. Writing a list is a great start, but try reading it out loud. Affirm with your voice all the incredible qualities you have to offer the world around you.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
