LIFE

If you’ve been feeling like a dark cloud is hanging over your head or you’re having trouble banishing bad moods, you may be stuck in a negative thinking rut. Being a teen girl isn’t easy, and during stressful times it can be hard to look on the sunny side of life. We’re here to help you find the silver lining in gloomy sitches and improve your overall outlook. Read our tips and remember that better days are heading your way!

Acknowledge the problem
When you’re stuck in a rut of negative thinking, it can adversely affect your body and mind. You may feel constantly tired and cranky or angry and tense. They first step in changing your mindset is to recognize when your thoughts turn pessimistic. It’s okay to feel down or upset—after all, you’re only human—but if you really can’t seem to conjure up positive thoughts, you may want to reflect on what’s going on inside your head.

Quit complaining
It’s unrealistic to assume that you will never complain. However, if you’re always hatin’ on other people, or if you’re consistently unhappy when things don’t go your way, complaining won’t make things better—you have to actually do something to address the things that bother you. Furthermore, constant complaining not only makes you feel unsatisfied and disgruntled, it also sends negative vibes to your friends and fam which isn’t fair to them.

Make some changes
If you’re truly committed to getting out of your rut, then you gotta make some changes. Cut ties with people who bring you down. Instead, surround yourself with positive pals who will help ya appreciate life and make you happy. Embrace a go-with-the-flow attitude so that you can better accept the things in life that you can’t control.

Practice gratitude
One way to combat negativity is to look at situations from a different perspective. In every moment in life, there is something to be gained or learned. If you make an effort to look for those lessons and be appreciative of what you have instead of what you don’t, we think you will find that things aren’t as bad as they seem. Over time, being thankful will help you handle difficulties more easily and you’ll be less likely to get into a negative thinking rut in the first place.

Take a break
A breath of fresh air and a small distraction can do wonders to improve your mood, so try taking some time for yourself every now and then. Go for a brisk walk around your block and admire the sights and sounds of your neighborhood. Make a soothing cup of herbal tea and sip it while you smell the comforting steam. Make sure to take care of yourself when you're in a blue mood.

Seek help
If you can’t seem to shake the bad vibes, you may want to speak with a trusted adult. There is no shame in asking for extra support. Many teens benefit from talking through their problems with counseling or therapy, so if you’re feeling stuck, remember that you’re not alone and there are people and resources who can help.

How do you deal when you're thinking negatively? Share your helpful remedies comments below.

by Morgan Ome | 4/15/2019