Sometimes people are experts at predicting the worst case scenario. Learning to overcome pessimistic thoughts and predictions is extremely important for building more joy in your life.

A healthy brain is goin to be full of joy. It’s important we become intentional with growing the good stuff in our brain and pulling out the “weeds” of negative thinking.

Being someone that is characterized with predicting the worst is not a good fit for a healthy brain or body. Dr. Daniel Amen talks about how negative predictions (thinking) lowers immune system effectiveness and increases the risk of becoming ill. More sickness, less ample amounts of joy. No thanks!

In short, our thoughts affect every cell of our body. So, let’s start killing off those automatic negative thoughts (ANTS) & give our cells the good stuff it needs.

Whenever you feel anxious, tense, or find yourself thinking through the worst care scenerio, try this out:

STEP 1: Write down the event that is causing you anxiety, for example, having to get up in front of people to give a speech.

STEP 2: Notice and write down the automatic negative thoughts that come into your mind. Odds are, when you’re anxious, your thoughts are predicting a negate outcome to a situation.

STEP 3: Label and identify the thought as a “negative thought"” or something else. Sometimes the label can take the power of that thought.

STEP 4: Talk back to the negative thought that comes to your mind. Thoughts are just thoughts, not facts.

STEP 5: Practice & repeat! You got this. :)

Resource adapted from “Change your Brain, Change Your Life” book by Dr. Daniel Amen