Good distractions from negative thoughts

Health and Recovery
1

I think it would be beneficial for everyone too share with each other good coping strategies I personally love archery and I’m trying to quit watching the news for my mental wellbeing also I watch fishing shows and I go fishing whenever I can anybody got any ideas for me and everybody else to keep happy

1 Like
2

I find going outside helps me not think negatively, even a small walk. Even walking inside the house for 30min helps

2 Likes
3

I’m struggling with this too.

I’ve been googling how to cope with negative thoughts all day.

I didn’t have much luck and think I have an actual problem :sob:

Out of curiosity I just asked bing’s chatGPT thing your question and here’s what it said:

Negative thoughts can be overwhelming and difficult to deal with. Here are some ways to distract yourself from negative thoughts:

  1. Find a distraction: Engage in activities that occupy your mind and stop it from ruminating, such as calling a friend, doing a puzzle, or reading a book ¹.
  2. Use mindfulness: Build self-awareness and identify negative thoughts ¹.
  3. Replace negative thoughts: Replace negative thoughts with more realistic, positive ones ¹.
  4. Practice acceptance: Rather than trying to avoid or deny negative thoughts, practice acceptance ¹.
  5. Learn to cope with feedback and criticism: Learn to cope with feedback and criticism ¹.
  6. Be grateful: Be grateful for the things you may often take for granted ¹.
  7. Bring positivity into someone else’s life: Try to bring positivity into someone else’s life ¹.
  8. Don’t let vague fears drag you down: Don’t let vague fears drag you down ¹.

It’s important to note that distracting yourself from your thoughts is not always the best solution. Instead of distracting yourself from your thoughts, try playful techniques that take away their fearful charge ⁶. Remember that negative thoughts are not dangerous, only actions are ⁶. If you’re struggling with negative thoughts, consider seeking professional help.

I hope this helps!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 12/10/2023
(1) 8 Easy Ways To Stop Negative Thoughts From Entering Your Mind. 8 Easy Ways To Stop Negative Thoughts From Entering Your Mind.
(2) undefined. Distraction Makes Worry Worse | Psychology Today.
(3) . distractions from negative thoughts - Search.
(4) Tackling negative thoughts with distraction - Mind. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/tackling-negative-thoughts-with-distraction/.
(5) Strategies to Redirect Your Thoughts and Distract Your Mind. Strategies to Redirect Your Thoughts and Distract Your Mind | University Hospitals.
(6) Therapeutic Ways to Change Negative Thoughts - WebMD. Ways to Change Negative Thinking.
(7) undefined. 6 Ways to Distract Yourself from Things You Don't Want to Think About.
(8) undefined. How Stop Negative Thoughts by Fixing Cognitive Distortions.

2 Likes
4

I can distract myself with short things like clips on youtube, jokes, memes, and similar. If thoughts are negative, I tend to avoid anything lengthy (like a TV series, movies, reading) because my thoughts catch up to me.

1 Like
5

I’m always doing something. Plugged into YouTube, watching tv, regular house chores, ect. I don’t have a lot of negative thoughts that bother me. I’ll be in negative moods, feel like crap, or my general experience with the world will be shitty, but that stuff passes. I try to do something about it like clean or watch something that cheers me up or distracts me. Most the time I live my little life and have stuff going on to look forward to or think about. I felt shitty today. I went in a 30 min walk, picked up groceries, washed dishes, took a shower, and napped, but still feel kinda shitty. Idk tomorrow is another day and a day to make better choices. Usually if I feel bad it’s from something I did. I don’t struggle with my thoughts for the most part.

6

Yeah, I don’t watch the news, bad for my mental health. I like watching “Nat Geo wild” nature shows. I think what we put into our minds matters. :smirk:

7

Not many things helps me… what helps the best is the new, good day. New morning and new possibility.

But yeah, being busy helps a bit, but if minds are veeery negative what helps the best is a new day.

8

I like having a shower and dressing up nicely for outside.

I like going on the bus, listening to music.

Going to the library to study. I have a really nice local library.

Mindful eating.

Meeting a friend.

Drawing.

I want to do pilates but due to the medication, it’s really difficult. Idk if I will ever get round to it. For now I’m focusing on not binge eating to heal my back. Because pilates is proving to be difficult. I will probably take it up after next week.

1 Like
9

This topic was automatically closed 95 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.