The Power Of Positive Thinking: 9 Ways To Break A Negative Mindset

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #Myvitaminwater #vwlabelcontest #CollectiveBias

If you’ve been reading here lately or following along on Instagram, you know that I’ve been really into manifestation when it comes to my life. I whole-heartedly believe that our lives become what we think about, or manifest. So, it only makes sense that if we are dwelling on everything that is going wrong, or living in negativity, it can have a devastating impact on everything around us. I was so excited when the team at vitaminwater asked to partner so I could share how I live my very best life with the help of vitaminwater zero, available at Target. Let’s be honest, the state of the world right now makes it incredibly easy to fall into a negative thought pattern, but today I want to share why there is so much power in positive thinking and 9 ways to “grab life by the bottles” and break a negative mindset. Be sure to scroll all the way down, as I’m sharing an extra fun vitaminwater promotion 🙂

Which vitaminwater flavor would you choose? Personally, I’m an Açai – Blueberry – Pomegranate gal, but Dane loves the Zero Squeezed Lemonade!

The Power Of Positive Thinking: 9 Ways To Break A Negative Mindset

1. Recognize negative thoughts. The first step in breaking your negative thoughts is recognizing that you have them. When you feel yourself starting to go down the path of negativity (I’m not good enough, I can’t do that, If only I could…), make a conscious effort to stop what you’re doing and think about what is prompting those thoughts. Are you having a bad day? Did someone say something rude? Being able to recognize the negativity as it comes is the first step in getting rid of it! Most times negativity creeps into our heads in the form of criticism, regret, guilt, anxiety, problems and stress.

2. Take a break. I mentioned to make a conscious effort to stop and evaluate your thoughts. When you’re doing this, take a complete mental break. Now, am I saying get up and leave your desk for the rest of the day? Not necessarily. If you’re like me, it just means removing my headset at my desk, taking a few deep breaths, maybe listening to a favorite song and then jumping right back in. Sometimes gaining mental clarity from “10 steps back” helps you see what’s causing the issue. If this isn’t enough, skip to step #6.

3. Meditate. This is one that is new to me for this year, but so far – I’m loving it! I have two different apps that I love (Insight Timer + Aura) that I can quickly pull up on my phone wherever I might be for the day. Admittedly, I like practicing first thing in the morning after Dane leaves and the house is quiet. Putting myself in a mindful mindset first thing helps set the pace and tone for my day.

4. Exercise. To me, nothing gets rid of a negative mindset quite like a workout. If you’ve been around this blog for a little bit, you know that running became an emotional and mental outlet for me in 2015 and I’ve kept it as an incredible resource in my positive thinking toolkit. I don’t always have a ton of time, but even a quick Youtube workout (10 Amazing Youtube Workouts Under 30 Minutes) or walk around my neighborhood helps me to break free of a negative mentality.

5. Journaling. I’ve always been one to catalog my thoughts (hello, I’m a blogger!), but journaling is gratifying in a way that goes beyond typing on a keyboard and sharing photos. I am able to share my thoughts, hopes and wishes for the future, highs/lows and catalog my life in a personal way that is just for me. This is often where I “speak” into existence all the plans I hope to achieve in my life. Journaling also provides an easy way to look back on how far you have come in any given period of time, which is typically a huge mood booster!

6. Get outside. Get up and get out. I don’t know what it is about nature that is so compelling to me when I’m having a day filled with negative mental barriers, but it works wonders for my mindset. I love this quote: “In the creation that all that nature has to offer, you’ll never see mountains that compare themselves to the ocean, they just simply exist.” I’m fortunate enough to live by the ocean (Vitamin Sea, please!), but it doesn’t matter where you live – this will work. Take in some fresh air, feel the sun on your face, watch the snow, look at the mountains…you see where this is going.

7. Constructive thinking. Okay, so you’ve identified those negative thoughts? Sometimes the best approach to banishing them from your head is to take that mental criticism and break it apart. Turn “destructive” thoughts into constructive reasoning so that you can improve, better or fix what is going on to create this negative mentality. An easy way to do this is to think about it from the standpoint of “how would I phrase this to someone else?” I’ve always wondered why it is so easy for us to be kind to others, but often so harsh on ourselves?!

8. Embracing imperfections. Sometimes negativity creeps into our mind as it relates to self-doubt or deprecation and I’m not exempt from this. One of the things I’m learning to embrace more in life are my imperfections. Instead of looking at my body and picking it apart, I try to focus on loving that I have a body that is able — one that can exercise, legs that can carry me on adventures and beyond. Instead of ripping apart my inability to master certain tasks, I feel confident knowing I can excel in other areas. Sometimes being able to identify and embrace what we consider imperfections allows us to grow!

9. Asking for help. There’s no shame about asking for help if you feel like you are in a pattern of negativity that you just can’t break on your own. Mental health is important and a topic that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Talking to a third party like a therapist, family/career counselor can often be the stress-relief you need (or maybe didn’t realize you needed!).

And now, let’s chit chat about the “Label Me A Winner” promotion that vitaminwater is running right now, shall we? What could be more mood boosting than seeing your very own label on a vitaminwater bottle? vitaminwater is giving one lucky “Label Me A Winner” participant the opportunity to create their own label, share it on social media + be entered to win cash prizes, your custom label printed and more. You can enter here. In keeping with my theme, I chose an inspirational quote and shared it to Twitter!

Don’t forget, you can snag delicious vitaminwater at Target 🙂

So let’s chat – how do you overcome negative thought patterns? I feel like this is one of those topics that impacts all of us at one point or another, so I’d love to start a conversation in the comments about ways you overcome. Do you believe in the power of positive thinking? Why or why not?