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Re-training the mind

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 9/17/2019 4:46 PM (GMT -5)
Just curious, what helps you to re-train your mind into positive thinking.

I’ve noticed I make my anxiety worse because I focus too much on the anxiety. I am such a weak thinker especially when it comes to anxiety. I think I can be my own trigger!

I know everyone has different ways of dealing with their mind and just curious as to what they
are.

Thanks!
Posted 9/17/2019 5:08 PM (GMT -5)
I re-train my mind into positive thinking by not only telling myself to say positive things to myself, but also to actually believe the positive things I tell myself.
Posted 9/17/2019 6:22 PM (GMT -5)
I use positive guided mindfulness meditation right before sleep
Posted 9/18/2019 1:13 AM (GMT -5)
R.,

Fantastic question! And the fact that you recognize the problem and are seeking to work towards fixing the issue is half the battle won!

Repeating positive mantras whenever you feel the negative thoughts taking hold really works to not only help change our thinking patterns, but with time to actually make a physical improvement in our brain chemistry!

You don't even need to fully believe the statements you are keeping in your inner monologue/self talk...I didn't at first, but I kept at it...

...with continued practice went from being a negative thinker to a positive one!

Therapy Worksheets can also be a powerful tool in de-fusing negative/worrisome thoughts.

Find info for using Positive Mantras, and downloads of Therapy Worksheets in our Resources.

Peace and progress,

S.C.
Posted 9/18/2019 4:30 AM (GMT -5)
Hi.

Good question.

I can highly recommend that you look into Mindfulness meditation as it works wonders but takes a bit of practice to master.

Have a look at our resources for some good links.

Hibee
Posted 9/25/2019 7:31 PM (GMT -5)
The answers that were given are spot on. The best way to stop doing something is to “stop doing it”!
If you have the capacity to work yourself in higher levels of anxiety then you have the same capacity to build yourself up with positive self talk. It takes 18 to 254 days (depending on our own life experiences) to kick or start a habit! The thing is we have got to want it and just stay at it. It can be especially difficult to speak positive feedback to ourselves when we are feeling overwhelmed and no where even close to positive.
Best wishes to you
Nanette
Depression/Asperger Spectrum/ADHD/Anxiety
(Recent bipolar diagnosis)
Posted 9/25/2019 8:53 PM (GMT -5)
Great question roxy8820!
Anxiety and Anticipatory Anxiety are problems for many but there are ways to successfully cope or possibly overcome these challenges.

Keep in mind that ridding ourselves of habits and mindsets that may have dominated our lives for years will take time. Don't be discouraged when you have setbacks.

The more you work at it, the more your new behavior will become a part of you.

Here are some great practical tips that I have found helpful.

1-Recognize and admit the habit. Ask yourself 'Do I really benefit from this? How much better off would I be without it?
2-Replace the negative with positive. i.e., read, study, or exercise.
3-Monitor your progress for a few minutes daily. If you have a relapse determine what led up to it.
4-Enlist the help of others. Tell friends or family what you are doing and ask them to help.
5-Be balanced and realistic. Do not expect immediate success.
6-Pray
Posted 9/27/2019 2:32 PM (GMT -5)
Hi there, a very interesting subject indeed.

The thought patterns in Neuroplasticity subject are the default patterns of thoughts. The thoughts on those lines (I would call them lines) are, as far as I am informed, totally re-trainable. It's all about training them for thinking a different thought when triggers come.

For example when you see a cup of kale smoothie makes you think of poison and throws you into anxiety, you get the habit or reminding yourself that the cup is full of delicious and healthy vegetables and nothing is poisonous there.
When you do that every time you see a cup of green juice for a number of times, in the end you start thinking of vegetables when you see the cup first. Instead of poison.
Same goes for anxiety thoughts (all sorts) just training your brain to connect to the positive thought immediately first.

I know its complicated but this technique is used in many CBT related treatments.
Just needs lots of practicing :P
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