Well, not really an actual mountain but down a negative spiral that does not allow you to stand up to believe that things can actually be right? And that everything will not be appalling? That it’s not really the end of the world?
- I’m going to fail this exam.
- My future is bleak and dark.
- I will never make friends.
- I’ll never be slim and fit.
- I will always be alone.
- Nobody cares or ever will.
What do these statements do? Are they encouraging? Do they make us feel good? Can we accomplish our goals faster when we think like this?
These are ANTs — Automatic Negative Thoughts. And they bite. They drain energy, suck out motivation, and portray a future that is already confirmed to be miserable. And if we knew that the outcome was going to be negative, why would we even bother trying? ANTs make us hopeless about our future, helpless about the present situation and hence we see ourselves as worthless and lesser human beings. It’s conjuring up a recipe for anxiety and depression.
Practice makes perfect
As much as we don’t realize it, positive thinking is essentially a habit. Many argue that this is easier said than practiced. But as simple as it may sound, even consciously changing our word lexicon and subtracting negative words from our vocabulary can bring about changes in the human brain circuitry. And drive us to be positive thinkers. For instance, if all the above statements could be substituted with the ones below respectively:
Esta historia es de la edición May 2020 de The Teenager Today.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 2020 de The Teenager Today.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Recognizing the Unsung Heroes
International Nurses Day marks the contributions that nurses make to society.
Mary Ann Alexander
Bangalore-based, ultratalented singer-songwriter and committed Gen Z icon, Mary Ann Alexander, is slowly but surely getting her music recognized all over the country and probably overseas as well.
Create A New TOMORROW
As I open my eyes to the gentle rays streaming into my room, I am excited.
Make up Your Career!
Preparing for a career as a makeup artist requires a combination of technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and interpersonal skills.
The Rise to Fame of YASHASVI JAISWAL
Fame is the very first part of his name and he has stood by it. Yashasvi Bhupendra Kumar Jaiswal has come to stay in international cricket and it seems to be on his very own terms.
Don't be a Bonsai Person
People in Japan are fond of keeping plants in their houses. As houses in Japan are relatively smaller, they have developed bonsai plants — miniatures of large plants.
WORKERS UNITE!
The Resilience of International Labour Day
He Battles Against Industrialists
Rohit Prajapati belonged to an affluent family. But the poor background of his mother’s family always moved him.
Sudha Murty
An Inspiration for Generations
Morning Walks
Spreading Joy and Positive Vibes as We Stride