Hi, I am one of you. I am one of all of us in some part of the world. This article was written during the corona-virus when negativity was at its peak globally. If we are to live a happy life, we would need to learn how to deal with negative thoughts every day in our lives.

There is a lot of negativity in news everyday- millions infected, thousands dying, jobs affected, lifestyle coming to stand still, and more. It does have a mind numbing impact on the mind. However, what I want to tell you is that you are tougher than you feel you are.

There is one fact about this pandemic- everyone is suffering in one way or the other. Your pain may be different than my pain, but it is pain, still. So, be kind of others while you try and share how you are suffering. They are definitely suffering as well, and if you ask about them, you may feel better that you helped someone feel better.

Having said that, I would suggest a few strategies to deal with negative thinking.

Root out the negative thoughts as they enter your mind

Negative thoughts are easier to deal with before they become giant negative thoughts. You see, thoughts build up in our mind slowly and then we keep adding layers to them. For example, you have a negative thought in your mind that says, ‘I am worthless.’ Now, this thought needs examples, from your life where you fucked up, like, when you got fired from a job.

Now, instead of allowing your mind to feed the negative thought, stop it there. Tell yourself that you are not worthless and you have done things in the past that have worked for you. Give your mind examples of your successes from the past, thereby killing the negative thought.

Do not be sedentary for a long time. Sitting encourages laziness and negative thoughts

One of the problems with working from home is lack of movement. If your body doesn’t move, your mind won’t move either. Mind and body are interrelated and work in synchronicity. Therefore, ensure that you move your body after a period of sedentary work. Walk around the house if you cannot go outside. Just move a bit.

If you have lost your job or your business went to the ground, hang on

This one is difficult. A lot of us derive our self-respect from our work besides paying the bills. In case the virus has affected your work, please do not blame yourself. I am an author and comedian. I also do some marketing consulting work which happens in public settings. Since the lock-down, my work has been affected and I have been trying to keep myself busy with learning new stuff and experimenting with new ideas.

Do not let this temporary period which you are not responsible for, affect your peace of mind. I know it is tough, but you will find a way if you stay strong.

Be there for your family

Your family members are people who are going through this difficult time as much as you are going through it. If you live with them, take care of them, and if you don’t, call on them to stay in touch. They need you as much as you need them.

Practice Gratitude to deal with negative thoughts

I know, it’s an overused word in the positive psychology and that’s for a reason. Even if things are rough right now, we can find things to be grateful for, if we look for them. You are alive, you are safe, and you have a reason to wait till things get better.

Take time to learn new things

This is a good time to learn stuff that you never had the time to learn. Read new books. Watch videos on YouTube, TED and other websites where you can watch positive and inspiring content. Watch stand-up comedy videos. Here are a few I have.

Accept life to battle negative thinking

I cannot emphasize this enough. Everybody is asking when will Corona virus come to an end, and nobody really has an answer. So, prepare yourself for the worst. I have started this blog and I am trying to figure out how to take my work online. So, do that.

Accepting things as they are takes off some emotional burden than asking why is this happening? Over and over.

Yeah, I think this will be the end of this piece. Please let me know in the comment section if you found this useful. In order to deal with negative thoughts, it is important to think positively, and for living a happier, healthier life.

My purpose with this blog is to spread positive vibes and happiness. If there is anything you would like me to write about, please let me know.

Thank you for reading.

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I appreciate the time you spent in reading the blog and wish you happiness.

Love,

Amarvani