At first glance positive thinking and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have nothing to do with one another. But many people with ADD develop negative thinking patterns because they become frustrated by challenges and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed. This negative outlook then makes it even harder for them to cope with those challenges and move forward.
Practicing positive thinking allows people with ADD to focus on their strengths and accomplishments, which increases happiness and motivation. This, in turn, allows them to spend more time making progress, and less time feeling down and stuck.
The following tips provide practical suggestions that you can utilize to help you move into more positive thinking patterns:
1. Take Good Care of Yourself
It’s much easier to be positive when you |are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For
Stresses and challenges don’t seem quite as overwhelming when you are consistently reminding yourself of the things that are right in life. Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a big difference.
3. Look for the Proof Instead of Making Assumptions
A fear of not being liked or accepted sometimes leads us to presume that we know what others are thinking, but our fears are usually not reality. If you have a fear that a friend or family member’s bad mood is due to something you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you when you turn your back, speak up and ask them. Don’t waste time worrying that you did something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.
4. Stop Using Absolutes
Have you ever told a partner “You’re ALWAYS late!” or complained “You NEVER call me!”? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like ‘always’ and ‘never’ makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of keeping their word.
5. Detach From Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts can’t hold any power over you if you don’t judge them. If youcatch yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don’t follow it.
6. Squash the “ANTs”
In his book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” Dr. Daniel Amen refers to “ANTs” - Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like “Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me,” or “The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!” When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!
7. Practice Lovin’, Touchin’ & Squeezin’ (Your Friends and Family)
You don’t have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up.
8. Increase Your Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you reduce loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!
9. Volunteer for an Organization, or Help another Person
Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will get back in return.
10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Combat Rumination
If you find yourself ruminating, an excellent way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something totally different. Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It’s never productive, because it’s not rational or solution-oriented, it’s just excessive worry. Try changing your physical environment - go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.
You certainly need to adopt a positive attitude if you are going to act as the MC at the wedding reception of a friend or family member. Find outmore:
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