This document discusses various strategies for blocking unwanted thoughts. It notes that unwanted thoughts are common and can negatively impact life. Some effective strategies include not directly trying to block thoughts, as that tends to make them more prominent. Instead, it is better to let unwanted thoughts fade naturally by distracting the mind with other activities. Writing thoughts down can also help analyze and reduce their power. Scheduling time to address thoughts can help establish a sense of control. Treating mental disorders, exercising, spending time with others, and picking up hobbies are further suggested as beneficial distractions. With practice of these strategies, it is possible to gain a more positive mindset.

1. Ways to
Block
Unwanted
Thoughts
by Dr. M. David Kurland

2. Many children and
adults deal with
unwanted
thoughts on a
continual basis.
These unpleasant
thoughts can often
detract from
school, work and
personal
relationships.

3. Fortunately, there
are some effective
strategies that can
free the mind from
these negative
thoughts.

4. One of the most
effective ways to
keep unwanted
thoughts from
plaguing the mind
is to not think
about blocking
them.

5. A concept known as
the ironic
monitoring theory
explains how the
mind is more likely
to think about the
unpleasant thoughts
when trying to block
them out of the
mind.

6. Many negative
thoughts are
automatically
blocked after a
while when the
mind is not trying to
think of ways to stay
distracted from
them.

7. Writing unpleasant
thoughts on paper is
another method to
combatting this
problem. Putting
these ideas on paper
can be cathartic for
the mind, and seeing
them in written
form might make
them easier to
analyze

8. It is also a good idea
to eventually cross
off the thoughts on
the list that no
longer seem
overwhelming.

9. Certain mental
disorders also cause
people to think of
things that are
negative.

10. Anxiety, depression
and obsessive
compulsive
disorder, in
particular, often
cause the mind to
focus on unpleasant
thoughts and
feelings.

11. Having these
disorders treated
through therapy can
put the mind into a
better state and help
control thought
processes.

12. Some people have
even benefited from
scheduling a time
during the day to
think about
unpleasant
thoughts.

13. This helps establish
a better sense of
control over the
thoughts, and
thinking about them
at designated times
will likely cause less
feelings of anxiety
or grief.

14. Taking proactive
steps to keep the
mind distracted
from unwanted
thoughts can be
further beneficial.

15. Exercise has been
scientifically proven
to reduce stress
levels, and focusing
on working out can
force the mind to
concentrate on the
tasks at hand.

16. Other distractions
that may be helpful
include focusing on
work, spending
more time with
friends and taking
up new hobbies.

17. Blocking out
unpleasant thoughts
is possible, and some
of the best ways to
adopt a more
positive mindset do
not take a lot of
extra effort.

18. Gaining control over
these thoughts can
help anyone live a
happier, more
fulfilling life.

19. For more information
visit,
drmdavidkurland.net