Sometimes it feels like a war is going on in your mind. You want happiness, but all you can seem to hear are the negative things. Maybe, stuff like "you're worthless" "you're never going to be good enough" "you're not as pretty as her" "you're fat" "you're never going to be successful" The list goes on, and depending on what you're going through, these negative thoughts could seem like they are impossible to go away. There's no "magic" from keeping these thoughts of reoccurring;however, there are a few things you could do to put yourself in a better mindset! The key is to keep yourself busy, your mind occupied.
1.) Call someone!
It could be an old best friend, one of your grandparents, and if you're away at college you could call one of your parents. Talking to someone who you know ultimately has your best interest and loves you is so good to do when you're feeling down. They probably want to hear from you, too! Try bringing up some good memories you guys had together, or better yet, future plans that you're excited about! Tell them you love them, and that it was really nice talking to them!
2.) Go on an adventure
This doesn't mean you have to go on a vacation somewhere. This could be everyday, little adventures. The other day when I started having negative thoughts swarming at me, I decided to leave the house and randomly go look around a small store in my town to get my mind off of myself. It worked, too! You could go on a walk to a part of town you don't go to often, go to a cafe, or do some exercise. There really are endless possibilities, be creative! :)
3.) Do something for someone else
This is HUGE. When you are concerned about helping someone else, it deflects the worry and attention we are solely putting on ourselves. Mow the lawn, bake cookies, ask if they need help cleaning, go to the nursing home and just visit with the elderly. They have lived a long time, have quite a bit of wisdom, and can share some pretty great stories with you!
4.) Read your Bible and pray
As big as the last one was, this one is going to have the biggest impact on your life. Think of God's word as an owners manual to life, a love letter to you, and a big ol' book of wisdom...because it is! Prayer also helps so much. Whenever I'm strung out, talking to my Creator is what helps me most. Talk to Him like He is your best friend, because He is. Tell him your concerns. Tell him what breaks your heart. Be completely 100% you to Him. Praying to God and reading His word helps us to see our life from a better perspective. Picture it this way, we are in a life-funk and it's all we see...but when we talk to God, He takes our perspective up to His perspective and we see that the little life-funk we are in won't last long. That God will sometimes put us through these trials to bring us closer to him and that the road ahead will be better.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Isaiah 43: 1 and 2
1But now, this is what the Lord says--
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze."
1.) Call someone!
It could be an old best friend, one of your grandparents, and if you're away at college you could call one of your parents. Talking to someone who you know ultimately has your best interest and loves you is so good to do when you're feeling down. They probably want to hear from you, too! Try bringing up some good memories you guys had together, or better yet, future plans that you're excited about! Tell them you love them, and that it was really nice talking to them!
2.) Go on an adventure
This doesn't mean you have to go on a vacation somewhere. This could be everyday, little adventures. The other day when I started having negative thoughts swarming at me, I decided to leave the house and randomly go look around a small store in my town to get my mind off of myself. It worked, too! You could go on a walk to a part of town you don't go to often, go to a cafe, or do some exercise. There really are endless possibilities, be creative! :)
3.) Do something for someone else
This is HUGE. When you are concerned about helping someone else, it deflects the worry and attention we are solely putting on ourselves. Mow the lawn, bake cookies, ask if they need help cleaning, go to the nursing home and just visit with the elderly. They have lived a long time, have quite a bit of wisdom, and can share some pretty great stories with you!
4.) Read your Bible and pray
As big as the last one was, this one is going to have the biggest impact on your life. Think of God's word as an owners manual to life, a love letter to you, and a big ol' book of wisdom...because it is! Prayer also helps so much. Whenever I'm strung out, talking to my Creator is what helps me most. Talk to Him like He is your best friend, because He is. Tell him your concerns. Tell him what breaks your heart. Be completely 100% you to Him. Praying to God and reading His word helps us to see our life from a better perspective. Picture it this way, we are in a life-funk and it's all we see...but when we talk to God, He takes our perspective up to His perspective and we see that the little life-funk we are in won't last long. That God will sometimes put us through these trials to bring us closer to him and that the road ahead will be better.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Isaiah 43: 1 and 2
1But now, this is what the Lord says--
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze."