4 Tips To Change Negative Thinking

1. Change your thoughts.
If you are thinking negative thoughts, just stop. Intentionally focus on the positive things happening in your life. "Let's say you're turning into a victim. Like 'Poor me. Everybody's against me. Nobody at work appreciates me. I'm never going to get my raise.' You are working yourself up in a negative frenzy," she says. 'You have to stop yourself and (think) 'No, I'm not going there.'" Think of it this way: Modern conveniences alone have elevated your quality of life immeasurably compared with the billions of people who have lived and died on this planet over the course of history. You have countless things for which to be grateful.

2. Take care of your body.
Exercise, for one thing. It gets endorphins - which act like morphine in the body--flowing to trigger positive feelings. Eat fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods. Avoid sugar and diet soda. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.

3. Improve your mood.
Listen to good music. Seek out a good laugh. Have sex when you get the opportunity. Or, engage in what Orloff calls a "three-minute positive energy meditation." It involves shutting the door to distractions, relaxing and focusing on a beautiful power image such as a sunset or waterfall. "You just take three minutes to shift and visualize something very positive," she says.

4. Treat others well.
Don't gossip. Look at how you can serve others, help your coworkers and add something positive to your environment. Orloff also suggests "surrendering comparisons," which involves ceasing to want what other people have. "Rather, focus on what you do have and if you admire somebody then learn from them," she says. "Envy and jealousy...create negative energy."

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