HOW TO OVER COME NEGATIVE TALK

Negative self-talk refers to the internal dialogue or inner voice that we have with ourselves that is critical, pessimistic, and self-defeating. It can involve persistent negative thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about oneself, others, and the world around us. Negative self-talk can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being, including contributing to symptoms of anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, and other mental health problems.
When people engage in negative self-talk, they may interpret events in a negative light, leading to feelings of sadness, frustration, or anger. They may also become overly critical of themselves, engaging in self-blame, self-doubt, and self-criticism. Negative self-talk can become a selfperpetuating cycle, leading to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and a sense of being trapped in negative thought patterns.
EFFECT OF NEGATIVE TALK When someone engages in negative talk, they are expressing pessimistic, critical, or selfdeprecating thoughts, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. The effects of negative talk can be far-reaching, affecting various aspects of an individual’s life. Here are some of the ways negative talk can impact a person:

1. Self-esteem and self-worth: Negative talk can erode an individual’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth. When someone repeatedly tells themselves negative messages, they begin to believe them and may start to see themselves as inadequate or worthless. 2. Relationships: Negative talk can also affect one’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. When someone is constantly negative or critical, it can be off-putting to others, leading to social isolation and loneliness. 3. Mental health: Negative talk can contribute to the development of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. When someone consistently thinks negative thoughts, it can lead to a cycle of negative emotions and behaviors that perpetuate these conditions. 4. Physical health: Research has shown that negative talk can also impact physical health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, weakened immune system, and other health issues. HOW TO OVER COME NEGATIVE TALK
   Overcoming negative talk can be a challenging process, but it is crucial for improving one’s mental health and overall well-being.These are some steps you can take to overcome negative talk:
   1.Recognize negative self-talk: The first step in overcoming negative talk is to recognize when you are engaging in it. Pay attention to your thoughts and notice when they are negative, critical, or selfdeprecating.
   2.Challenge negative thoughts: Once you have identified negative self-talk, challenge it. Ask yourself if the thoughts are accurate or if there is evidence to support them. Often, negative selftalk is based on irrational beliefs or assumptions that can be challenged through:
   Identify the negative thought: The first step is to recognize when a negative thought is occurring. Take a moment to notice what you are thinking and how it is affecting your mood and behavior. Evaluate the evidence: Once you have identified the negative thought, try to evaluate the evidence for and against it. Ask yourself whether there is any real evidence to support the negative thought or if it is based on assumptions or beliefs.
   Practice gratitude: Focusing on what you are grateful for can help shift your perspective and reduce negative thinking.  Use positive affirmations: Positive affirmations are statements that you repeat to yourself to help build positive beliefs and attitudes. Choose an affirmation that resonates with you and repeat it several times a day, such as “I am capable and deserving of happiness.” Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness refers to a echnique that involves focusing on the present moment without judgme. You can practice mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a few moments to focus on your senses. 3.Reframe negative thoughts: Reframing negative thoughts involves changing the way you think about a situation. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects, try to find positive aspect.
   4.Practice self-compassion: Self-compassion is an act of  treating yourself with kindness, love and understanding. Be gentle with yourself and don’t beat yourself up for making mistakes or experiencing negative emotions and you can also practice self compassion through these ways: Connect with others: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support and encouragement. Connection with others can help you feel less alone and provide perspective and support. Practice self-care: Take time to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Get enough rest, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Treat yourself with kindness: Learn to be  gentle,kind and understanding with yourself. Treat yourself just the way you treat others or friends Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you stay present and grounded in the moment. When you start having negative thoughts or feelings, accept them without judgment and focus on the present moment. Cultivate a growth mindset: Instead of beating yourself up over mistakes or setbacks, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Practice self-compassion by recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and that they are a natural part of the learning process.
   5.Surround yourself with positivity: Surrounding yourself with positivity can help counteract negative self-talk. Spend time with people who uplift and support you, listen to uplifting music or podcasts, and fill your social media feeds with positive content and also:
   Choose positive people: Surround yourself with people who have a positive outlook on life and are supportive and encouraging. Positive people can inspire and motivate you, and help you to see the good in situations. Cultivate positive relationships: Focus on building positive relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. Regularly engage in activities that bring you joy and that promote positivity. Practice gratitude: Focus and appreciate what you have than what you lack.Keep a gratitude journal or practice expressing gratitude out loud to others. Limit exposure to negative media: While it’s important to stay informed about current events, too much exposure to negative news can take a toll on your mental health. Limit your exposure to negative media, and seek out positive news stories or uplifting content instead. Engage in positive self-talk: Use positive affirmations and self-talk to reinforce positive beliefs about yourself and your abilities. Speak kindly to yourself and challenge negative selftalk. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you focus on the present moment and appreciate what you have.  6.Seek professional help: If you are struggling to overcome negative self-talk on your own, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide you with tools and
   techniques to help you overcome negative self-talk and improve your mental health.
   Remember that overcoming negative self-talk is a process, and it takes time and therefore learn to  be patient with yourself and keep working on it. With practice, you can develop more positive and supportive self-talk, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being.