What if you always imagine the worst? Three ways to break the habit of negative thinking
Usually, I had a harder time deciding at night after putting the kids to sleep.
I will decide in the morning after a good night's sleep.
I think that way, we will be able to make a better decision.
This is also something that even our second-year first-year student, who has many thoughts and worries, considers.
I think I should apply it. Haha
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Decisions in the morning, imagining a happy ending, etc.
![행복한 결말로 끝나는 시나리오를 설정하면 최악을 상상하는 버릇을 고치는 데 도움이 된다. [사진=게티이미지뱅크]](https://imgnews.pstatic.net/image/296/2024/07/26/0000080262_001_20240726161608461.jpg?type=w430)
Setting a scenario that ends with a happy ending helps break the habit of imagining the worst. [Photo=Getty Images Bank]
In important but stressful situations such as job interviews or exams, people react in two ways. Some think, "It will be fine, I can do it," while others worry about all the possible obstacles and failures, imagining the worst-case scenarios.
People who only create scenarios in a negative way find it difficult to try new things. Even if they muster up the courage to start, they tend to feel only stress and anxiety rather than enjoyment and learning. How can we change this tendency? Based on sources such as Australia's non-profit media 'The Conversation,' we explored ways to improve the habit of imagining the worst.
First, it is important to recognize that there is such a critic within oneself. You should reflect on the critic's attitude and language, and try to shift towards a more tolerant and generous approach.
"Make decisions in the morning" = While sleeping, the rational part of the brain activity decreases and the emotional part becomes more active. If you stay awake at night, you tend to lean more towards the negative side because you use your emotional brain when imagining the future.
When lying in bed and tossing and turning, it is important to constantly remind yourself that all the negative thoughts you're having right now are not rational. For people who worry a lot, nighttime is a dangerous time. It is better to postpone important decisions until morning and try to sleep.
The ending is happy = If you keep having negative thoughts before an important event, it's better to shift your thinking toward planning strategies for how things can go well. It also helps to come up with various scenarios for possible outcomes.
Ultimately, what I realize now is that all the thoughts I have are not actually real but only happening in my mind. Focusing on scenarios with positive endings also helps reduce worries and anxiety.