ways to block unwanted thoughts
TRANSCRIPT
Ways toBlock
UnwantedThoughts
by Dr. M. David Kurland
Many children andadults deal with
unwantedthoughts on a
continual basis.These unpleasant
thoughts can oftendetract from
school, work andpersonal
relationships.
Fortunately, thereare some effectivestrategies that canfree the mind from
these negativethoughts.
One of the mosteffective ways tokeep unwantedthoughts from
plaguing the mindis to not think
about blockingthem.
A concept known asthe ironic
monitoring theoryexplains how the
mind is more likelyto think about the
unpleasant thoughtswhen trying to block
them out of themind.
Many negativethoughts are
automaticallyblocked after awhile when the
mind is not trying tothink of ways to stay
distracted fromthem.
Writing unpleasantthoughts on paper is
another method tocombatting this
problem. Puttingthese ideas on papercan be cathartic for
the mind, and seeingthem in written
form might makethem easier to
analyze
It is also a good ideato eventually crossoff the thoughts on
the list that nolonger seem
overwhelming.
Certain mentaldisorders also cause
people to think ofthings that are
negative.
Anxiety, depressionand obsessive
compulsivedisorder, in
particular, oftencause the mind to
focus on unpleasantthoughts and
feelings.
Having thesedisorders treated
through therapy canput the mind into a
better state and helpcontrol thought
processes.
Some people haveeven benefited from
scheduling a timeduring the day to
think aboutunpleasantthoughts.
This helps establisha better sense ofcontrol over the
thoughts, andthinking about themat designated timeswill likely cause less
feelings of anxietyor grief.
Taking proactivesteps to keep themind distractedfrom unwantedthoughts can be
further beneficial.
Exercise has beenscientifically proven
to reduce stresslevels, and focusingon working out can
force the mind toconcentrate on the
tasks at hand.
Other distractionsthat may be helpfulinclude focusing on
work, spendingmore time with
friends and takingup new hobbies.
Blocking outunpleasant thoughtsis possible, and some
of the best ways toadopt a more
positive mindset donot take a lot of
extra effort.
Gaining control overthese thoughts canhelp anyone live a
happier, morefulfilling life.
For more informationvisit,
drmdavidkurland.net