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10 Tips To Help You Start Taking Control with Positive Thinking.
At first glance, it would seem that positive thinking and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have nothing to do with one another. But many of us with ADD develop negative thinking patterns because we become frustrated by our challenges and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed. A negative outlook only magnifies the situation, making it all the more difficult to handle challenges and move forward.
Practicing positive thinking allows people with ADD to focus on our strengths and accomplishments, which increases happiness and motivation. It will help in better using your time to work on making progress, rather than feeling discouraged and helpless. You can use the following tips to help you begin to have a more positive outlook and change your thinking process in a way to help improve your quality of life.
1. Remember there is only ONE of YOU, so taking good care of yourself is first and foremost.
It’s much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
2. Make a List of Things You are Grateful for in Life
When you take the time to remember some of the things that are right in life, then stress from the challenges you face are not as difficult. Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a huge difference.
3. Look for the Proof Instead of Making Assumptions
Fear can be a strong negative thought process that can rob us of living a healthy, good quality life and often our fears and worries are unfounded. For instance, if you are worried or fearful that someone is in a bad mood because of something you did, or that people are secretly gossiping behind your back about you, then you should ask them if it is true or not. Don’t waste time worrying that you did something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.
4. Refrain from Using Absolutes
Have you ever told a partner “You’re ALWAYS late!” or complained to a friend “You NEVER call me!” Thinking and speaking in absolutes like “always” and “never” makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.
5. Get Rid of ALL Negative Thoughts that cause Anxiety
Your thoughts can hold any power over you if you don’t judge them. When a negative thought begins to invade your thinking, you need to recognize it right away as a negative influence, immediately change your thinking by turning it around to something that will make you stronger and happier.
6. Squash the “ANTs”
In his book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” Dr. Daniel Amen talks about “ANTs” - Automatic Negative Thoughts.
ANTs are usually negative reactionary thoughts, like “They are talking about me behind my back, again” or “The boss is looking for me, it must be because I did something!” When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!
7. Practice Lovin’, Touchin” & Squeezin” (Your Friends and Family)
Giving and receiving a good hug can go along way to making your day better. Showing positive physical contact with your family and friends and even your pets, is a great ’feel good’ interaction, one that we all need in life. One research study on this subject had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She received higher tips from these customers than from the ones she didn’t touch!
8. Be Involved with Some Sort of Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!
9. Be Involved with Helping Other People or An Organization
Everyone feels good after helping. There are several ways to do this, you can volunteer your time, resources or money. You may have heard it said, ’Give and it shall be given’, this is a true saying and the more positive energy you put in the world, the more you will get back.
10. Have a New Thought Pattern to Fight Against Depressing Thoughts.
A great way to stop thinking unconstructive thoughts is to interrupt the pattern by forcing yourself to begin thinking and doing something completely different. Recognize old thought patterns that may be hyper-focusing on something negative. It’s never productive, because it’s not rational or solution-oriented, it’s just excessive worry. You can change what your thinking by doing something different, like going for a walk outdoors. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.
You can also find good quotes, bible verses or sayings that will help you be positive, the following are two of my favorite quotes, that motivate me to be positive: Oprah Winfrey - “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.” “Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours” - A Swedish Proverb
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