HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · AUGUST 2018
GET OUT OF
YOUR HEAD
Do I look awful in this outfit?
Did I ask them enough questions?
Why did I say that?
I am such an idiot.
I hate how my voice sounds.
Sound familiar?
Unfortunately, thoughts like these are all too
common of an occurrence with women of all
ages, races, income levels, backgrounds and
lifestyles. We constantly berate ourselves in
our minds, picking apart everything we say or
do. But the good news is…
We can shut off that voice in our heads!
Here are a few tips to get you started and get
that negative Nancy that’s been shacking up
in your brain to take a hike:
Ignore those thoughts.
Human beings have thousands of thoughts
that pass through our brains every day, many
of them on “autopilot.” So, we cannot and
SHOULD not give every one of them our
time and attention. Once you become aware
of this negative voice in your head and realize
that you don’t want it there anymore, you can
choose to stop listening to it. The thoughts
may still come, but you can recognize them
at the moment and simply redirect your
attention or let the thought go immediately.
Whether you believe them at first, doesn’t
really matter. And don’t be surprised if you
feel resistance. Your brain is a stubborn thing
and it will revolt a little at first because it’s
going to say “this is not the program!” But
you simply say, “Oh yes, it is” and you keep
on going.
Feeling guilt or shame over a past event will
not erase it. All it will actually do is keep you
feeling miserable in the present moment.
So it’s important to let yourself process
Replace them with good things. events from your past so you can finally let
You can’t just will away the negative thoughts them go. You can speak to a counselor, pray,
and then do nothing to fill in the empty
journal about it or all of the above, but take
space. Your brain has been chugging away for some time to actually face those demons,
years thinking negative things about yourself. extract whatever lessons you need to learn
So, now you have to purposefully start filling from the situation(s) and then release it. For
it up with good things like:
good.
I am good enough.
I am loved.
I am talented.
I am beautiful.
So, it’s time to stop worrying about them and
remember that your worth comes from God.
You were created to be the special, unique
YOU that you are. No one else.
Shed the guilt and shame.
Remember – thoughts DO NOT always equal
truth.
9 9
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anyway? They’re just a bunch of other people
who are concerned with what you think
about them!
Stop getting your worth from others.
Many of these self-berating thoughts are
based on what others will think. It’s all
focused on “them” except… who are “they”
Be graceful with yourself.
Extend some grace and some compassion.
If you have to, think about how you would
act if it were a close friend or family member
that was suffering and then treat yourself the
same way. Or better yet, picture it is a child
that is upset. You wouldn’t demean a child for
something that they said or did, would you?
So why do it to yourself?
Loving yourself and lifting yourself up is not
selfish or in appropriate. It’s necessary.
So, stop the madness. Be aware. Be forgiving.
Be kind. And tell that negative voice in your
head once and for all… it’s time to GET OUT!
By Jenn of Live a FAST Life
18 HEALTHY MAGAZINE