{"id":1260,"date":"2019-08-16T09:05:28","date_gmt":"2019-08-16T09:05:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/carolineg1.sg-host.com\/index.php\/2019\/08\/16\/2019-4-30-how-to-stop-anxiety-and-negative-thoughts\/"},"modified":"2022-07-21T20:57:00","modified_gmt":"2022-07-21T19:57:00","slug":"how-to-stop-anxiety-and-negative-thoughts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/how-to-stop-anxiety-and-negative-thoughts\/","title":{"rendered":"How to stop negative thoughts and run your best race"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We as human beings are great at doubting ourselves. It’s hard to know how to stop negative thoughts from overtaking our brains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it be in our professional or personal lives, we experience fear and self-doubt on an almost daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a 1994 study<\/a>, self-confidence is considered one of the most influential motivators and regulators of behavior in people’s every day lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I can’t even count the number of times that I’ve had a crisis of confidence when it comes to running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though I’ve been a runner for over 10 years, to this day I still find myself doubting my abilities and capabilities as a runner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These negative thought patterns can be incredibly destructive if left untreated or ignored over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The negative self talk slowly consumes you and you start to believe every single word you tell yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it doesn’t have to be this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are ways to combat the self-doubt and negativity and become a happy and successful runner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, I’d like to look at some key concepts when it comes to negative thoughts and how you can stop them and run your best race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to stop negative thoughts: What is self-sabotage and why do we do it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Self-sabotage occurs when your logical, conscious mind is at odds with your subconscious mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latter self is your inner critic and feeds you toxic thoughts and sabotages your efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It might feel like your inner critic is stopping you from leading your best life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Believe it or not it’s actually your subconscious mind’s way of protecting you, preventing pain and dealing with deep-rooted fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately for us, the result is that we don’t seize new challenges and opportunities and we stay firmly within our comfort zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to running, every day may seem like a constant battle between your conscious and subconscious mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These self-destructive habits slowly erode our confidence and tell us that we’re not capable of running a 5k, a half marathon, a marathon – or whatever goal you have set yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sad thing is that many people don’t even recognise they’re doing it – it has become so second nature to them and they accept it as their fate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You want to run and train for a race, but you put up obstacles and blockers in the way so you never accomplish it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, your subconscious mind sees self-sabotage as self-preservation. It is defending and safeguarding you, even if it’s no longer needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are ways to deal with self-sabotage. If practiced regularly, these tips and techniques will go a long way in helping you to boost your confidence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They will also improve your self-esteem and help stop negative thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key is not to silence your subconscious mind completely (that’s not possible as it helps your body in other ways).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead bring it under control and tell it that everything is ok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to stop negative thoughts: Find your positive inner voice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fear and fear of the unknown is often what holds us back and makes our inner critic ever more powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All those negative thoughts whirring around your head: “I’m not good enough”, “I can’t do this” and “I’m a failure”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are all the work of your inner critic – that little monster on your shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start replacing your inner critic with your positive inner voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put aside the negative self talk and practice positive affirmation: “I am good enough”, “I can do this” and “I will succeed”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more you create a positive, confident internal dialogue, the more your mind will start to believe it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to stop negative thoughts: Change your behaviour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Changing negative behaviours is essential if we are to stop negative thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In every moment, we’re taking action that either moves us toward or away our goals and the life we want to lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The behaviours you keep permitting yourself to do are the ones that are keeping you from what you most desire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to running, like with any activity or sport, your attitude and behaviour can make or break your training plan or race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider how the actions you’re taking and the thoughts you’re thinking conflict with your training plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are they holding you back from reaching your true potential?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then look for ways to replace old patterns with new ones that are more helpful in achieving your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you’re training for a race and you’re used to just taking yourself off on a run without a plan or strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider investing in a solid training plan instead that is fit for your goals and fitness levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or if you struggle to motivate yourself to go for a run, consider joining a local running group or athletics club to get that added dose of accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n