Firstly, it is important to become aware of the negative thoughts and make an effort to identify patterns. Keeping a daily log of your thoughts can be a great way to gain insight into your thinking. Once you are aware of your thought patterns, it can be easier to recognize when your thinking is escalating into negative and unhelpful directions.

It is also important to challenge the negative thoughts and testing them objectively. Ask yourself questions like “Is this really realistic? Is this thought really logical?” By doing this, you can help move your thoughts away from the negative spiral of rumination and start to focus more on the positive.

Focusing on activities that help you relax and reduce stress is also integral to managing negative thoughts. Taking time to practice meditation, yoga, or any other activity that encourages relaxation can make it easier to cope with difficult thoughts. Taking a break and engaging in activities such as listening to music, going for a walk, or participating in a hobby can help center and ground you, making it easier to think logically and objectively when it comes to managing your negative thoughts.

In addition to relaxation techniques, it can also be beneficial to reach out to supportive people in your life. Talking to a friend, family member, and/or an experienced counsellor can help you gain control of your negative thoughts and find new ways to cope with them. Having a listening ear and being able to speak about your thoughts and emotions can help reduce your stress levels and increase your emotional well being.

Finally, it is important to be kind to yourself and accept that negative thinking is common. It is important to remember that everyone has negative thoughts, acknowledging and accepting them with compassion can help you eventually overcome them.

In conclusion, it is important to remember that having negative thoughts is normal, but they do not have to take over your life. With the right strategies and self-care techniques, you can learn to manage and control these negative thoughts, helping you increase your emotional well being.