Resources for Managing Thoughts and Reducing Anxiety
Thoughts are our consciousness internally processing the external surrounding. They keep the mind preoccupied with the memories of the past, the experiences of the present, and the imaginations of the future. Thoughts are easily identifiable by the way they make us feel. Commonly referenced as positive or negative, they directly impact the quality of life we create for ourselves. The ideal goal is to be aware of the type of thoughts that are the most dominant in your mind and find ways to slow down the momentum of the ones that create stagnation or anxious emotions. A mind loaded with heavy thoughts, lacks focus, stillness, and creativity. Remember that you’re the co-author of your life and this journey depends on the quality of your thoughts. So much of the world’s struggles stem from unexamined thoughts gone wild leading to a lack of self-love, human compassion, and clear communication.
To live a good life, your dominant thoughts must be constructive, loving, responsible, and good for the soul.
Here are some examples to raise the quality of your daily thoughts and neutralize the ones that cause you chronic discomfort:
- Begin each morning with awareness of what’s good in your life and your surroundings. Keep searching until you land somewhere. Gratitude is one form. Other examples include: healing thoughts, positive affirmations, smiling at the roof over your head, or an emotion that makes you feel happy to have woken up. Try this for 5-10 minutes before getting your day started.
- There are endless books, videos, podcasts, and content out there reinforcing the power of the mind and the thoughts that travel through. It’s important to first assess your habitual thoughts and patterns. Identify the ones that have brought you fear, doubt, worry, and anxiousness. Write down the underlying reasons behind those thoughts. Then write down anything in the present or the past that could’ve contributed to amplifying this current thought. Lastly, ask yourself if you were to give it some time, could the situation naturally resolve itself? In the majority of cases, time is the key ingredient to freeing yourself.
- Reach for something that is inspiring to you. Those who live in a state of inspiration and curiosity have less room in their mind for idle thoughts. New experiences and new activities are great ways to stay inspired.
- To think better, you must be around people who are already thinking better than you. Have conversations with people that are uplifting, encouraging, hopeful, and resourceful. Discussing possibilities, rather than problems makes all the difference.
- Make a choice and carry it out. Choose thoughts that make you realize how precious and cherishable life is. Your mood will immediately change.
Recommended resources to help you think better...
What is it?
Inner Engineering presents a revolutionary way of thinking about our humanity and the opportunity to achieve nothing less than a life of joy. It’s a practical and alive book offering reading the true meaning behind some of today’s concepts around self-transformation.
Why do I recommend this?
Sadhguru has a way of enlightening his readers and listeners by making the complexities of life very simple and understandable. After reading Inner Engineering, you will have expanded your horizons and ways of thinking about your life.
Explore Your Thought Dimensions
Sadhguru Gives Us a Simple Process to Begin the Process of Experiencing the Magic of the Mind
What is it?
In this video Sadhguru, a yogi, mystic, and spiritual master shares his wisdom about the mind and how to address the mind faculty.
Why do I recommend this?
By simply watching this video with intention, your mind will be set to east and calmness. Sadhguru makes the complex topic of the mind and how to use it properly very tangible in the modern world.
What is it?
The 5-Minute Mindfulness Journal helps you live mindfully with quick, thought-provoking practices and writing prompts to bring peace, calm, and happiness to your day. From gaining self-acceptance to cultivating loving kindness, this journal takes you on a transformative personal journey to be present every second, every minute, and every day.
Why do I recommend this?
Having a journal handy that walks you through a purposeful step-by-step process provides tremendous value when clearing your head. The 5-Minute Mindfulness Journal is a great resource for intentional journaling.
