Overview
Unhelpful thoughts, sometimes called negative thoughts, can keep you from enjoying life. They can also worsen other problems, like anxiety, depression, or pain. Changing your thought patterns may not be easy. But our minds can be trained to be stronger and healthier—just like a muscle. A technique called thought reframing can help.
Thought reframing is the process of replacing negative thoughts with more helpful thoughts. It's a skill taught in a type of counseling called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). There are also books and apps that can help you learn thought reframing on your own.
With practice, you can get better at choosing healthier thoughts to replace negative thoughts.
How can thought reframing help?
Thought reframing helps you become more aware of how your thoughts are connected to your feelings and behaviors. Finding unhelpful thinking patterns and shifting them can make you feel better. That can help you better handle life's challenges. You may be more able to manage stress and handle depression, anxiety, or other problems.