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October 26, 2011
Knock Out Negativity
Whether it’s missing a deadline or being late to your child’s school play, many women beat themselves up and feel guilt about not being able to do it all. But that negative thinking can be toxic – affecting our health, relationships and even our careers.
So, how to combat negative thoughts?
“We are our own worst enemy and toughest critic, but if we start resisting that inclination of self-sabotage and negative thinking, a positive outlook will follow,” Amanda Murdock, yoga instructor at Pure Yoga, tells PINK.
Before you self-criticize, consider whether you would treat a loved one this way, and treat yourself with the same consideration, says Murdock. “[Many] women
tend to be self-deprecating,” particularly when it comes to accomplishments.
WebMD gives several ways to stay positive – like laughter, being around animals and volunteering. Plus, Mayo Clinic lists the health benefits of positive thinking, like reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Studies show reprogramming the way you think can increase positive feelings. Murdock suggests exchanging "Eeyores," or negative people at work and in your life, with positive thinkers.
Other experts suggest tips for thinking positively like exercising and creating daily affirmations or mantras. Psychology Today lists the key to positive thinking as being compassionately self-aware.
Bonus PINK Link: Find out how high achievers can enjoy and balance life in our online exclusive.
By Brittani Banks
“If you don't love yourself, you cannot love others.” Dalai Lama
*Supporting images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net: sakhorn38, Ambro, and photostock
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Comments
Our Own Negative Voice
Sometimes our greatest enemy can be ourselves. We are outrageously busy building businesses, raising children and being a supportive and loving spouse. Anyone from the outside looking in can see that we're amazing, but if we happen to trip up on one of those paths or something happens beyond our control to mess up our plans, we are often the first in line to blame ourselves.
Learning to not lay the burden of perfection on ourselves is the beginning of a more stress free existence. Regular exercise and practicing positive thinking are, indeed, great ways to change our negative voice. And changing our negative voice to a positive voice can make all of the difference in our health and happiness.
D Alishouse
This has been posted on behalf of the fertility clinic, American Health Network reproductive medicine, Fertility Specialists in Indianapolis and a Da Vinci® Surgery Specialist. The information is not medical advice, and should not be treated as such. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.
Stop Being So Hard on Yourselves, Ladies!
I like the idea of treating yourself the same way you treat a loved one. I advise women to pretend they are their own best friends. We wouldn't say the things we say to ourselves to a best friend. Why do we direct those thoughts at ourselves?
I always advise women to watch themselves... I suggest to them: The next time you say, "Oh, my hair is so bad!" or, "I need to lose 10 pounds!" or "I am so stupid!" STOP. Instead say, "Wait, I am fabulous!" It will make you smile and make you realize how mean you are to yourselves!
Diana Fletcher, Stress Reducing Expert Author, Life Coach and Speaker, www.dianafletcher.com