A simple solution to help you combat unnecessary negative thoughts

Some of my therapy clients tell me they sometimes find it hard to make decisions or think clearly or take appropriate action because negativity has flooded their mind.

All they can think about are the negative consequences of an issue.

The negative thoughts have taken over and they can no longer think rationally.  They try to stop the negative thoughts, but they can’t.  They can’t reason properly.  They don’t know what action to take.  And then they get anxious.

Does this happen to you sometimes?  If it does, you might like to try this tool to help you combat the negativity…

Ask yourself this question:  Will this issue be important in a week’s time?

If your answer is no, the issue is probably not worth worrying about. And you know you can ‘park’ the issue until your mind is clearer.

If your answer is yes, then you know you need to focus on what you need to do to resolve the issue.

This exercise works because it gives you a focus other than the negative thoughts, and it helps you to calmly prioritise the issue along with all the other issues you face every day.

Please note, though, that while this tool is useful for situational negative thoughts, it will not be a solution for people who suffer from chronic anxiety.