Challenge Your Thoughts

Challenge your thoughts practice sounds simple but we have on average we have between 60,000 and 80,000 thoughts a day and 80% of our thoughts are negative.  This is important because of psychoneuroimmunology – the mind/body connection.  When physically
tired it is hard to think clearly and if mentally drained it will effect you physically.

Thoughts are just electro-chemical reactions and not facts.  They are mental cognitions — our ideas, opinions, and beliefs about ourselves and the world around us.  They include the perspectives that we bring to any situation or experience, which affect our point of view (for better, worse, or neutral).

While thoughts are shaped by life experiences, genetics, and education, they are generally under conscious control.  In other words, if you are aware of your thoughts and attitudes, you can choose which ones to believe or follow.

Here area few ideas on how to challenge your thoughts:

Focus on the present moment – after all you cannot change the past nor predict the future.

Recognise limiting or negative thoughts as these are particularly draining.  Thoughts including “never,” “should,” and “can’t,” that diminish our/someone else’s self-worth deplete the body by producing corresponding chemicals that weaken the physiology. Instead of  “I can’t do this “try “I don’t know how I’m going to achieve this, but I know I can if I give it enough thought.”  The chemicals produced by the body as a response to this kind of thought are more likely to support you in fulfilling your goal.

Acknowledge your thoughts – “Yes I do have to that” “thank you thought”.

Label thought patterns – “that is a thought about work” “that is me beating myself up again”.Watch the thoughts float into your mind and float out again like clouds on a windy day.Look AT your thoughts rather than jumping on them and being taking away by them.