6 ways to practice self-acceptance
How to celebrate the wonder that is you.
Did you know the brain is wired for negativity? This is because the brain pays more attention to negative thoughts and experiences than to positive ones. Psychologists call this phenomenon negativity bias. Its purpose is to make you aware of potential threats to stay safe.
Negativity bias can show up in these ways:
Focusing on negative feedback
Self-criticism and fear-based thinking
Remembering criticism more than praise
Feeling vigilant and wary
Reflecting on bad events in your past
Letting one lousy moment derail an otherwise good day
Everyone experiences negative bias – it's the way our brains are wired. The problem is that the brain is flooded with stressful situations and perceived threats in today's modern world. Email, news headlines, and television shows can all trigger our stress response.
Our natural inclination to negative thinking plus stressors in our daily life can quickly crowd out positive emotions such as hope, optimism, appreciation, and joy. To think like an optimist, we need to take steps to rewire our brains.
Rewire your brain for positive thinking
Since the brain gives extra attention to negative thoughts and experiences, we need to train it to notice the good things in life, too. Below are some simple but powerful ways to do just that.
Notice good things about your daily routine
What are some great things about your daily life? Make a note of everything you enjoy and appreciate, big and small.
Celebrate what’s going well in your life
Good things happen, even during tough times. Write a list of everything that’s going well. It also helps to reflect on what’s gone well in the past.
Keep kind feedback
Intentionally keep track of compliments, kind messages, and other forms of praise. Refer to these when feeling trapped in negative thoughts.
Practice Groov’s 6 Pillars
Doing one thing daily from each of our 6 Pillars of Wellbeing will help you feel good and function well. Celebrate and Enjoy are especially great for positive thinking.
Set boundaries around your stress triggers
If reading the news, checking social media, watching certain entertainment, or other things stress you out, set boundaries around these activities. For example, limit news or social media to 30 minutes per day.
Compartmentalize
A lot is going on in the world right now. So it's vital for your wellbeing to take time out to focus on things that bring you joy.