5 Weird Ways to Stop Being Negative

We are all prone to negativity. In fact, it is often much easier to see the negative side of things to the positive. But that means we all end up with a very negative and often, toxic, headspace. The pursuit of positivity is one of life’s difficult journeys that we all share, but rarely talk about. So, today, we are going to come together to combat our negative thoughts with some very unconventional methods. Stay tuned for my top 5 weird but surprisingly effective ways to stop being negative.

I wanted to focus on a few of the more unique strategies I have used, as I am sure you would have come across the more mainstream methods of overcoming negativity. Practising Mindfulness, using a gratitude journal and surrounding yourself with positive influences are all great ways of nurturing a more positive mindset.

But today, we will focus on some more unorthodox methods, just in case the usual methods did not work for you.

I must confess that a few years ago, the idea of me giving tips on how to stop being negative would have been laughable! Growing up, I was always very negative. I liked to say I was just being realistic, but looking back now, I don’t think my glass was ever half full!

But recently, everyone around me has noticed how positive I am. It was never a fully conscious decision to become more positive, but after going through many challenges and then going on a bit of a self-improvement journey, it seems to have been a very happy accident!

That is why I wanted to share some of the ways I stop my negative thoughts with you. If one does not work for you, then don’t worry! Everyone is different and I am sure you will find something here that can help you on your quest for positivity.

Create a Happy Space to Retreat to

For our first unusual technique, I would highly recommend making a designated “happy space” in your home. This could be a cosy corner, a favourite seat and blanket, or even an entire room filled with things that bring you joy. Surround yourself with your favourite colours, things and memories that will only bring positive emotions.

Having a space where you can retreat to when negativity clouds your mind, is a game-changer! I find this particularly helpful when I am having one of those days where nothing seems to go right. Being able to sit calmly in a space where you feel equipped to overcome your negative thoughts does wonders in the fight against negativity.

And the best part about it is this space will be completely unique to you! Personally, my space involves coloured lights, lots of blankets and my favourite onesie (Yes, I’m still living in 2012!).

Create your happy place and let the positive energy work it’s magic!

Reframe your Negative Thinking

Instead of seeing problems as roadblocks, view them as opportunities for growth. Now, I understand that this one is easier said than done. And you can’t magically become positive just by forcing yourself into thinking your problems are good. But if you take the time to go through your problems and reframe them, you may find that soon enough, you will start seeing things from a different perspective.

Let’s look at an example. Let’s say you hate your job. You hate being there, you hate the workplace politics, and you wish you didn’t have to wake up so early. That is all very negative. Which is understandable as it is not a nice situation to be in, but let’s look at this a different way.

Maybe you don’t like your job but you have money coming in. You have discovered what you don’t want to do as a career. You are finding out what is important to you in life. And you can start looking for something you really want to do in the long-term whilst having a stable income in the short-term.

Life isn’t always going to be easy or enjoyable, but by challenging your perspective, there is almost always a way to find the positives in your situation.

I find myself doing this a lot and it’s nearly all subconsciously now.

For instance, at the end of the summer, I was walking my dog and I got caught in an almighty rainstorm without a jacket- not ideal. But I found myself smiling like an idiot and quite literally singing in the rain! This was because a couple of years before that I was so ill I could never even imagine being able to walk around the block again. The situation wasn’t ideal, and getting caught in the rain is often the makings of a “bad day” but I could only see the positive in it.

Random Acts of Kindness

Enter the realm of altruism with our third tip- performing random acts of kindness for strangers. It is no secret that making others happy, makes us happy too. And sometimes when you are in a bit of a negative slump, a small pick me up of doing good is all you need.

Small, unexpected gestures can have a profound impact, not only on the recipient but also on your own mood. Kindness gives back. In fact, spreading positivity is often the best way of finding it yourself.

The beauty of random acts of kindness is that they don’t have to be big, they don’t have to cost you anything and everyone benefits from them. So whether you give someone a compliment in the supermarket or carry someone’s bags back to the car, you should feel good for doing good.

Say your Negative Thoughts in Silly Voices

Sometimes our negativity really starts to take a toll and weigh us down. And when your inner voice starts speaking negatively about yourself it can be really hard to ignore or overcome. When this happens, I encourage you to break the seriousness and inject some humour into your thoughts.

The negative things we say to ourselves serve no purpose except to fill us with negativity and doubt. So prove to yourself that those ideas are rubbish by saying them out in the silliest voice you can. Hearing anything in a silly voice immediately makes you take it less seriously.

By doing this, you can quickly convince yourself that your negative thoughts are nothing but rubbish and this should make it easier for you to ignore them and turn to more positive things.

Maybe do this when you have a quiet moment on your own, otherwise people may think you are cracking up a bit!

Forest Bathing

If you haven’t heard of “forest bathing” yet then you are missing out! Dive into the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and explore the benefits of a natural environment. It seems like such a simple thing, but you would be amazed how much going outside for 15 minutes everyday can help you stop being negative.

Japan have even made it an integral part of their national health program!

Immersing yourself in nature is proven to reduce your levels of the stress hormone Cortisol. Spending time outside seems to actually calm your body down as both your blood pressure and heart rate can decrease.

Discover the rejuvenating effects of connecting with nature and how this unconventional approach can wash away your negativity, leaving you refreshed and revitalized.

Getting outside is a great way to put your problems into perspective. Seeing the beauty and vastness of nature often helps me feel more equipped to deal with my problems. It is very hard to be negative when you are surrounded by such natural beauty.

And even if this tip doesn’t work for you, getting outside more will only ever benefit your health!

BONUS: Visualise a Spoon in your Head

I just had to put this in as a little bonus.

Simply visualise a spoon in your head that is physically scooping the negative thoughts out of your head.

It may be small and wacky, but it is something my mum taught me when I was very little that used to help me when I had nightmares. It may not work for you, but there is no harm in trying and sometimes it is the little tips that turn out to be the easiest to implement and the most effective in the long run.

Please let me know if you have used this tip! I would really like to know if it is just me!

Conclusion

As we conclude our discussion of weird tips to overcome negativity, remember that the journey to positivity is uniquely yours. Sometimes, thinking outside the box is the best way to get out of a mindset slump. So, don’t be afraid to try these unconventional ideas!

Whether you find solace in a happy space, or find yourself challenging your negative thoughts with a silly voice, what matters most is finding what works for you.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s okay to march to the beat of your own positive drum!

Let us know what weird ways you like to use to stop being negative in the comments below! Feel free to share any other ideas you have too!