Controlling Negative Thoughts - 4 Steps to Stopping Negative Thinking
The human mind has incredible potential that is so often restricted by our own self limiting beliefs. Many times we come up with an incredible idea, but immediately think about all the reasons why it is not feasible, a bad idea, or not worth the effort to pursue and develop. Often, we are held back by negativity because of anger with others, poor physical health, or repetitive cycles of defeated thinking. Here are 4 steps to stopping the cycle of negative thinking, and allowing space for the positive thoughts that attract positive outcomes into your life:

1. Take good care of your body. Eat well, focusing on lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Take vitamins and supplements as recommended by your natural health care practitioner. Most people can benefit from a food based multivitamin and fish oil to start with. Exercise regularly according to your doctor's recommendations, ideally doing cardiovascular exercise to raise endorphin levels and keep your mood elevated.

2. Free yourself of anger against others. First, allow yourself to feel the complete impact of the anger - feel it through your body and become consciously aware of every nuance of sensation, the tight shoulders, set jaw, clenched fists -- and consciously decide to release your anger for your own benefit. Imagine that you are, indeed, exactly where you are meant to be at this moment, exactly how you are. Allow for the possibility that the person who wronged you did the best he or she could with the survival tools and mechanisms that he or she had to work with, however limited. Then, visualize releasing the person you are angry with into the universe, to whatever God has in store for him or her. Release your responsibility to punish or address the issue any further.

3. Stop repetitive negative thought loops. If you can't stop ruminating on something that depresses, upsets, or makes you anxious, try imagining a big red "X" through the image of the thought, and say "Stop" aloud to the thought. You can also try slapping your hand on a table and switching activities to distract yourself from the thought loop.

4. Begin to embrace the goals and dreams you have. Imagine them in full Technicolor, with all your senses. Taste it, feel it, see it, hear it, and smell it. You will find your motivation to work toward your goals increases and they begin to manifest in your life.
Are you interested in addressing your life challenges from a holistic standpoint, assessing the physical, emotional, and relationship components?

For a free copy of Shannon Cook's ebook, "Natural Methods To Fight Depression", click here: http://www.stoptoxicrelationships.com/gifts-naturalmethodstofightdepression.html
Shannon Cook is a personal coach and resource guide who has written a number of informative articles and ebooks on the topic of toxic relationships and holistic personal growth, including physical, emotional and relationship health.