Choose better thoughts to manage stress

Jan 16 / Peter Piñón
We all know stress is a part of life, and it can come from many different places, like work, relationships, or personal challenges. 

But when we encounter stress, our minds often default to negative thoughts, which can make us feel even more overwhelmed and stressed out. It's easy to get caught up in our negative thought cycle, right?

But guess what, my friends? We have the power to choose which thoughts we focus on and which ones we let go of. 
According to American Psychologist and Philosopher William James, "The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." And let me tell you, this is so true! 
We can intentionally choose to focus on positive thoughts, which can help us manage our stress levels and improve our well-being.

Let's say you're having a tough day at work, and everything seems to be going wrong. You might be thinking, "I can't handle this," "I'm not good enough," or "I'm going to fail." These negative thoughts can make you feel even more stressed out and powerless. 

But instead of focusing on these negative thoughts, try to reframe them to be more positive and healthy. 
You might say to yourself, "I've faced challenges like this before, and I can handle it," "This is just a temporary setback," or "I'm going to focus on what I can control and let go of the rest." 

By choosing to focus on these positive, healthier thoughts, you can reduce your stress levels and feel better. 

Remember our thoughts have a significant impact on our emotions and behaviors. 

Now, I know this is easier said than done, but there are practical steps you can take to choose positive thoughts and manage stress. 

First, identify negative thoughts when they occur.
It can be tough to do this when you're in the moment, but try to become aware of your thoughts when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed. 

Once you've identified negative thoughts, challenge them!
Ask yourself if they're accurate or if you're jumping to conclusions. Often, negative thoughts are not entirely true, and there may be a more positive way to view the situation. 

Reframe negative thoughts into positive (or healthier) ones.
Instead of thinking, "I'm going to fail," say to yourself, "I'm going to try my best and see what happens." 

And last, seek support!
Talking to a friend, family member, or therapist can help you process negative thoughts and reduce stress. They can provide a fresh perspective and offer support and encouragement.

Remember, choosing positive, healthy thoughts takes practice, but it's so worth it! Don't beat yourself up if you slip up - just keep practicing, and you'll get there. You have the power to manage thoughts and reduce stress. 

Information

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972-277-1728
E-mail
peterpinon@mindsconnected.com

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