Do you have recurrent thoughts that intrude into your life and create emotional pain and stress?

Did you know that you can learn to control your thoughts and, by doing so, you can reduce your stress level?

Do you:

• Question yourself,
• Have doubts about the things you do or have done,
• Frequently think things will not get better…and may get worse,
• Have persistent thoughts that someone you know may be having an accident or getting injured somehow,
• Repeatedly think about failures,
• Think back on a task you completed and wonder how you could have done it better or different?

Do you want to eliminate your stressful thoughts? Are you committed to doing so? If you are serious about doing it then try the following:

Close your eyes and imagine a situation in which one of your stressful thoughts is likely to happen…but try interrupting your stressful thinking and replacing it with healthy thoughts.

Yes, interrupt those unpleasant thoughts by using an alarm clock set for 3 minutes—think about your stressful thought for the allotted time and when the bell goes off snap your fingers and shout, “Stop” and empty your mind of anxious thoughts (allow only neutral thoughts for half a minute).

Next time when you mull about a stressful thought shout, “Stop” and as you become successful stopping the negative thoughts say, “Stop” in your normal speaking voice, then in a whisper the next time and then imagine hearing yourself say “Stop.” (You may have to practice at each level before continuing, making sure you are able to actually stop the negative thought each time.)

(You could also have an elastic band around your wrist and snap it when an unwanted negative thought happens.)

Then when you are successful at stopping negative thoughts, think of some positive alternate statements you can say to yourself when you have the negative thought.

“I always give my best effort and that is good enough.”

“I accept the things I cannot control.”

“I am learning and growing.”

“I am stronger and more intelligent because of this.”

“I will focus on the awesome opportunities that are ahead.”

“I am industrious and continue to accomplish great things.”

“I will observe before reacting.”

“I am worthwhile, successful and happy.”

“I find things out when no clear answer is defined.”

“I can accomplish any task set out before me.”

“I am at peace.”

“My body heals quickly and easily.”

“Loving myself heals my life. I nourish my mind, body and soul.”

“I am ready and willing to release the past.”

…

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My Friend
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