Ways toBlock

UnwantedThoughts

by Dr. M. David Kurland

Many children andadults deal with

unwantedthoughts on a

continual basis.These unpleasant

thoughts can oftendetract from

school, work andpersonal

relationships.

Fortunately, thereare some effectivestrategies that canfree the mind from

these negativethoughts.

One of the mosteffective ways tokeep unwantedthoughts from

plaguing the mindis to not think

about blockingthem.

A concept known asthe ironic

monitoring theoryexplains how the

mind is more likelyto think about the

unpleasant thoughtswhen trying to block

them out of themind.

Many negativethoughts are

automaticallyblocked after awhile when the

mind is not trying tothink of ways to stay

distracted fromthem.

Writing unpleasantthoughts on paper is

another method tocombatting this

problem. Puttingthese ideas on papercan be cathartic for

the mind, and seeingthem in written

form might makethem easier to

analyze

It is also a good ideato eventually crossoff the thoughts on

the list that nolonger seem

overwhelming.

Certain mentaldisorders also cause

people to think ofthings that are

negative.

Anxiety, depressionand obsessive

compulsivedisorder, in

particular, oftencause the mind to

focus on unpleasantthoughts and

feelings.

Having thesedisorders treated

through therapy canput the mind into a

better state and helpcontrol thought

processes.

Some people haveeven benefited from

scheduling a timeduring the day to

think aboutunpleasantthoughts.

This helps establisha better sense ofcontrol over the

thoughts, andthinking about themat designated timeswill likely cause less

feelings of anxietyor grief.

Taking proactivesteps to keep themind distractedfrom unwantedthoughts can be

further beneficial.

Exercise has beenscientifically proven

to reduce stresslevels, and focusingon working out can

force the mind toconcentrate on the

tasks at hand.

Other distractionsthat may be helpfulinclude focusing on

work, spendingmore time with

friends and takingup new hobbies.

Blocking outunpleasant thoughtsis possible, and some

of the best ways toadopt a more

positive mindset donot take a lot of

extra effort.

Gaining control overthese thoughts canhelp anyone live a

happier, morefulfilling life.

For more informationvisit,

drmdavidkurland.net