Worry and negative thoughts can wreak havoc on your health and well-being. In fact, they can actually lead to chronic disease if left unaddressed. Today, we’ll explore four ways to turn those “worry” thoughts into healing energy, to keep you feeling your best, both mentally and physically.
1. Analyze your thought patterns
First and foremost, you must understand how your thoughts make you feel. Take a close look at how you interpret your thoughts and your world. Notice if you project a given thought or circumstance into the future (we all do this) and how this makes you feel.
Spend 30 seconds pondering this idea: how do your thoughts make you feel? Are they positive and uplifting, or anxious and gloomy? Recognizing how your thoughts affect you is the first step toward changing them for the better.
2. Take control of your thoughts
Now consider what you do with those thoughts. Let’s say you wake up anticipating a stressful day at work. That thought generates a feeling inside you. The feeling is a bit sour, heavy, and distressing.
However, it’s what you choose to do with that thought that matters. You can entertain it, allowing the distressing feeling to fester; replace it with a positive thought, such as something you’re grateful for; visually “fast-forward” to the end of the day when you’re feeling good again; or re-label the thought as an opportunity for growth instead of stress.
Get into the habit of replacing worry-inducing thoughts with more positive ones, and a new feeling will rapidly follow.
3. Reinforce positive thoughts with verbal affirmations
You’ve probably heard of verbal affirmations — simply stating positive thoughts out loud. For example, take a worrisome thought about a potential conflict and transform it into thoughts of gratitude for your health, life lessons, and relationships. Speak this positive thought aloud: “I am thankful for all that I have learned, and grateful for the power over my own health and happiness.”
Even if the positive thought doesn’t “stick” right away, don’t give up. After 17 seconds (on average) of speaking your new thoughts out loud, the uneasy feeling caused by worry begins to soften, and within a minute or two, you’ll be filled with the energy of your new, positive outlook.
4. Embrace the tranquil power of meditation
Meditation is another powerful tool to help tame your thoughts. Essentially, meditation helps you develop a relaxed, non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts. This heightened awareness allows you to recognize negative thought patterns and change them, without becoming consumed by worry.
The beauty of meditation is that you can practice it anywhere, at any time. Simply find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath or a calming mantra. Headspace is a great resource for beginners, offering guided meditations to help you get started.
In conclusion, all the things you worry about eventually resolve in one way or another. The uncertainty of the future can drive your brain wild with anxiety, but the tools mentioned above can help you take control of your thoughts, replacing worry with healing energy, and restoring your peace of mind.
