3 Common Reasons of Negativity

According to a study at a university, there are 4 elements that create negative thinking: Regret and Shame, Negative Expressions, Lack of Confidence, and Criticism Towards Others. If we sum it up, the following 3 reasons are the most common triggers for negative thinking.

Severe Long-Term Stress

Stress can be a direct cause of negativity. When we mess up at work/school or can’t perform well, negativity takes over our minds, making less room for positivity to grow. If we surround ourselves with negative people, sometimes we end up being heavily influenced by them too.

Past Traumatic Experiences

Past trauma can impact us in many ways. A person full of optimism and positivity can suddenly change negatively due to shocking incidents. Some people can fall into a negative trap where they can’t believe in anyone after experiencing betrayal from someone they used to trust.

Hormonal Imbalance Due To Poor Lifstyle Choices

A neurological chemical called serotonin has to do a lot with our emotional control and stability. A lack of serotonin not only makes us less energetic, but it can also make us negative too. For your body to properly produce serotonin, a stress-free lifestyle with exercise, a healthy diet, and sunlight becomes crucial. If we can shift our lifestyle with healthier lifestyle habits that promote serotonin, that can push our minds back towards positivity.

3 Reasons Sleep Heals Negativity

Typically, if the cause of our problems is clear, we’d have to fix that first. However, causes such as past trauma or long-term stress cannot be fixed overnight and that can feel like a struggle. Therefore, we advise that you start easy with getting plenty of sleep. In this section, we’ll explain how sleep can heal negativity within our minds.

It Heals the Physical Body and Brain

The brain can rest and condition the body’s hormonal balance when it goes to sleep. A well-balanced hormonal function can fight negativity and build stress resilience towards the incoming negativity we experience.

The body needs to feel energized enough before we start exercising towards a healthy serotonin function. Sleep also helps our whole body restore itself. Without fundamental sleep, it’s hard to make the change we desire.

Leads To Better Lifstyle Habits

A structured sleeping schedule, sunlight, and a healthy diet all contribute towards getting rid of our negativity. A good night’s rest promotes serotonin secretion which helps us back to positivity. Good sleep also helps us stay efficient during the day. Most of us have pulled all-nighters during the weekday only to try and catch up on sleep during the weekends. We can start working on positivity today, just by starting off a healthy sleeping schedule.

Stops The Negativity Loop

Once we fall into a negativity loop our problems seem infinitely larger than what they are. We need to reset our minds so that we can shift gears towards positivity. To easily do this, we recommend sleep.

When we sleep, our thoughts are forced to shut down and we can leave from thinking so much. This gives us the capability to look at things more objectively and calmly when we wake up.

If you have a hard time sleeping, an AI app can help you sort your thoughts through too. Try the SELF MIND app for a FREE trial!
If you’re looking for more tips on how to care for your mental health, check out some of our past blog posts!

Sleep Well for a Healthy Mind and Body

Good sleep nourishes our brain and body while it puts our negative thinking on hold. It’s a necessary step for proper serotonin secretion and the key to stopping the negativity. Next time you feel negative and down, stop what you’re doing and go to bed.

Reference：

Akutsu, Y., Odajima, H., & Miya, S. (2008). Changes of positive and negative affect by a stress task. The Annual Report of the Faculty of Education, Iwate University, 68, 1–8. https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000000001712-00

Konishi, M., & Yoshida, A. (2011). Life style and environment that influence serotonin secretion. Journal of Osaka Kawasaki Rehabilitation University, 5, 1–20. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/120006866960

Shiraishi, S., Soma, H., & Shimazu, N. (2016). Characteristics of Japanese automatic thoughts in negative situations. Utsunomiya University Repository, 66(1), 3–12. http://hdl.handle.net/10241/10240

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What Is EFT Tapping?

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a form of mental health intervention that draws from theories such as acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), energy psychology, and Thought Field Therapy (TFT). It’s popularly known as “EFT Tapping” and was developed by Gary Craig, a Stanford engineering graduate who claims to be neither a psychologist nor a licensed therapist.

EFT techniques involve tapping specific acupressure points on the body, primarily on the head and the face, in a particular sequence. The person focuses on the issue that they wish to treat while using these tapping techniques.

EFT Tapping is commonly used to treat or help with the following:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Physical Pain
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Phobias
• Stress
• Weight Loss

Many people used to disregard the technique as the origin and effects are seemingly controversial, but as more recent research suggests, EFT tapping can be extremely helpful in coping with our emotional struggles. We’ll explain the science of EFT below for the skeptics!

Is EFT Tapping Scientifically Proven?

A quick google search will show that EFT tapping can be controversial as some people consider it “pseudo-science.” However, more and more recent research indicates interesting results. More than 100 studies show that clinical EFT does have an impact on a patient’s mental and physical well-being.

A 2019 meta-analysis and review study set to find out whether EFT was an evidence-based practice since there have been dismantling studies that lead to the skepticism of it. When their results were measured under the standards of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Empirically Validated Treatments, EFT was found to be an “evidence-based” practice for anxiety, depression, phobias, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results showed not only psychological but physiological benefits as well.

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
  In 2013, researchers studied EFT tapping and it’s effectiveness on veterans with PTSD compared with standard care. Within a month, EFT coaching recipients successfully reduced significant amounts of psychological stress, and more than half of the same group no longer fit the criteria for PTSD.
  
• Anxiety:
  A 2016 review compared EFT tapping and standard care for anxiety symptoms. EFT indicated a significant decrease in anxiety scores compared to other forms of care. Other cases show that EFT can help with public speaking anxiety, and a 2018 Indian study concluded EFT as equally effective as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression.
  
• Depression:
  Results of a meta-analysis review from 2016 that shows clinical EFT to be highly effective for depression.
  
• Weight Loss and Physical Performance:
  The physical impact of EFT is less studied than the psychological effects, but there are cases of successful weight loss through EFT. Researchers found EFT weight loss treatments to lead to decreased symptoms of depression as well. The significant reduction in cortisol levels after EFT sessions lead to a hypothesis made in 2013 that EFT could improve both depression and obesity through the reduction of cortisol. A 2010 journal also mentions clinical reports and accounts that EFT is practiced in professional and college-level golf, baseball, and American football to increase athletic performances.

How to Try EFT Tapping

STEP 1: Identify Issue and Discomfort Intensity

• Use your device or a piece of paper to write down all of the issues you are experiencing, one by one. Try to separate each issue and don’t clump many into one.
• After all the issues are identified, go down each issue to rate the intensity of discomfort you feel on a scale of 0 – 10 with 0 being the lightest and 10 being the worst. The scale assesses the emotional or physical pain and discomfort you feel.
• Choose one issue that hits the highest number on your intensity scale. This will be your first focal point as we practice the tap sequence. Focusing on only one problem at a time enhances the outcome.

STEP 2: Establish a Phrase

Before starting the tapping sequence, you need to establish a phrase that addresses two goals:

• Acknowledging the issue
• Accepting yourself despite the problem

The common setup phrase is:
・“Even though I have this [fear or problem], I deeply and completely accept myself.”

You can alter this phrase to fit the issue, but it should never involve someone else’s.

An example of a non-effective phrase involving someone else’s problem would be:
・“Even though [Name] is sick and struggling, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

Focus on how the problem makes you feel in order to relieve the distress it causes.
It’s better to address a situation where someone sick is impacting your life, by phrasing:
“Even though I’m sad [Name] is sick, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

A great setup phrase for personal stress would be:
・“Even though I feel stress, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

STEP 3: Tap Specific Points

1. First, take your four fingers (excluding the thumb) and tap the karate chop point on both sides of your hands. As you tap, simultaneously recite your setup phrase 3 times.

2. Using the same four fingers, lightly tap each following point 7 times as you recite your phrase 1 time.

Move down the body points in this ascending order on just one side of the body:

• Top of the head (starting & finishing point) – directly in the center of the top of the head
• Eyebrow – the beginning of the brow, just above and to the side of the nose
• Side of the eye – on the bone at the outside corner of the eye
• Under the eye – on the bone under the eye, approximately 1 inch (in) below the pupil
• Under the nose- the point between the nose and upper lip
• Chin – halfway between the underside of the lower lip and the bottom of the chin
• Beginning of the collarbone – the point where the breastbone (sternum), collarbone, and first rib intersect
• Under the arm – at the side of the body, approximately 4 in below the armpit
• After the underarm, go back to the top of the head to finish your last taps there

If the phrase is too long, you can use reminder shortened phrases. If your setup phrase is, “Even though I feel stress, I deeply and completely accept myself.” your reminder phrase can be, “This stress.” Recite this phrase at each tapping point. Repeat this sequence two or three times.

STEP 4: Retest the Intensity of the Issue

At the end of your tapping sequence, rate your intensity level on a scale from 0 to 10. Compare results with your initial intensity level. If you haven’t reached 0, repeat this process until you feel a difference. It could take multiple attempts for some people to feel the difference. If the intensity level has decreased, you can take another issue from your initial list to work on.

Although tapping can be performed on your own, a qualified EFT practitioner may help you further in learning and understanding tapping techniques for more serious problems.

It’s unbelievable that such simple tapping and phrasing could have such significant impacts on our mental and physical wellbeing. Many schools around the world are starting to implement EFT programs to better equip students with the coping skills to face adolescent challenges and other environmental stressors. No matter how small the problem, taking early care of stress is essential to our wellness. Give EFT tapping a try next time you feel stressed!

If you’re looking for more tips on how to care for your mental health, check out some of our past blog posts!
→ Looking to improve your mental health? Try the SELFMIND app FREE for a week!

Image : Unsplash
Reference:

Anthony, K. (2018, September 18). EFT Tapping. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/eft-tapping#research


Bach, D., Groesbeck, G., Stapleton, P., Sims, R., Blickheuser, K., & Church, D. (2019). Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 24, 2515690X1882369. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690×18823691


Church, D. (2010). The Effect of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) on Athletic Performance: A Randomized Controlled Blind Trial. The Open Sports Sciences Journal, 2(1), 94–99. https://doi.org/10.2174/1875399×00902010094


Church, D., Hawk, C., Brooks, A. J., Toukolehto, O., Wren, M., Dinter, I., & Stein, P. (2013). Psychological Trauma Symptom Improvement in Veterans Using Emotional Freedom Techniques. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 201(2), 153–160. https://doi.org/10.1097/nmd.0b013e31827f6351


Clond, M. (2016). Emotional Freedom Techniques for Anxiety. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 204(5), 388–395. https://doi.org/10.1097/nmd.0000000000000483


DİNCER, B., ÖZÇELİK, S. K., ÖZER, Z., & BAHÇECİK, N. (2020). Breathing therapy and emotional freedom techniques on public speaking anxiety in XXX nursing students: A randomized controlled study. EXPLORE, . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.11.006


Jasubhai, D. S., & Mukundan, P. C. R. (2018). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Emotional Freedom Technique in Reducing Anxiety and Depression in Indian Adults. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience, 20(2), . https://doi.org/10.4172/1522-4821.1000403


Leonard, J. (2019, September 26). A guide to EFT tapping. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326434


Nelms, J. A., & Castel, L. (2016). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Nonrandomized Trials of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for the Treatment of Depression. EXPLORE, 12(6), 416–426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2016.08.001


Stapleton, P., Church, D., Sheldon, T., Porter, B., & Carlopio, C. (2013). Depression Symptoms Improve after Successful Weight Loss with Emotional Freedom Techniques. ISRN Psychiatry, 2013, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/573532

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An Imaginary Bus will Take Away your Stress

The “mindbus” is a common technique used in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapies. It helps alleviate the stress that comes from the situation of having to suppress one’s own needs. If you’re interested in finding out more about mindfulness, check out the article below.

The mindbus technique is very simple to practice, and it is a method of stress-care that can be completed with no special environment or tools, just your own imagination. For example, if you’re on a diet and think, “I want to eat something sweet!” or if you’re in the middle of work and think, “I want to play games!” These are the moments when you should try this technique.

The steps are as follows.

1. Visualize the craving in your mind as clearly as possible. (If you’re trying to suppress your sweet tooth, visualize yourself eating those sweets.)

2. Put the concrete image of that craving on an imaginary bus.

3. After you let the imaginary bus run for a while, let the object of desire off at any bus stop.

That’s all it takes to relieve the stress of having to withhold any desire.
It may sound somewhat silly on paper, and it may seem hard to believe. However, a study from Swansea University in the United Kingdom found that the group using this technique had more self-control and less stress. The mindbus technique is a scientifically proven method of stress management.

Effective in Improving Efficiency of Work or Diets

Regardless of age or lifestyle, we are often in a position where we must withhold the desire to do something. Whether it be smoking, drinking, playing smartphone games, or cheating on your diet, there are many temptations that surround us in our daily lives. This creates the desires in us, which sometimes lead to serious addictions.

When your mind is controlled by your own cravings, you may find it difficult to get things done, and your work and daily life may be less efficient. “I want to lose weight but all I can think about is junk food…” or “I can’t concentrate on work because I can’t get my videogame out of my head…” These are times when you can use the “mindbus” to reduce your own cravings. Challenge yourself to be in control. Increased self-control may help you focus better, which may help you work more efficiently and accomplish tasks.

Since the mindbus is a technique for suppressing one’s own thoughts, it is also thought to be effective in suppressing negative thoughts, such as trauma, that one cannot forget even if one wants to. We have a mechanism in our thoughts called the paradoxical effect of thought suppression: the more we try not to think about it, the more we think about it. It is difficult for anyone to suppress negative thoughts and desires by their own will. By using the mindbus and taking steps to move away from negative thoughts, you may be able to naturally avoid thinking about things you don’t want to think about.

Throw Away Your Negative Thoughts and Turn to the Positive

The “mindbus technique” is meant to keep your own cravings and negative thoughts away from you. Try it out when you feel stressed out from having to put up with something in your daily life. The key to taking care of stress quickly is to have some form of stress relief on hand. Having a coping mechanism on standby, such as the mindbus technique, helps to keep your mental health in check. There are also many other stress-care techniques besides the mindbus technique that you can use easily. Knowing what works for you and getting into the habit of practicing them when you feel stressed is the key to living a healthy and comfortable life.

→ Looking to improve your mental health? Try the SELF MIND app FREE for 1 week!
If you’re looking for more tips on how to care for your mental health, check out some of our past blog posts!

Image：Unsplash
Reference：
Jenkins, K. T., & Tapper, K. (2014). Resisting chocolate temptation using a brief mindfulness strategy. British Journal of Health Psychology, 19(3), pp. 509-522

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70% of the World’s Population Harbors Trauma

According to an epidemiological survey conducted across 24 countries, the percentage of people who have experienced trauma at least once in their lifetime is 70.4%. That’s how close traumatic experiences are to us. Those who have experienced a traumatic event usually have flashbacks of those memories. Random experiences similar to past contingencies at any moment can lead to negative interpretations and distress.

According to a survey at a Japanese university, more than 90% of the students were aware of the symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but had never properly learned or sought treatment for appropriate stress management. Furthermore, while a single instance of trauma can cause PTSD, repeated exposure to trauma can lead to complex PTSD, with more severe manifestations of symptoms. While most of us are exposed to the idea of trauma and PTSD through media (movies, interviews, and books), only a few of us go on to actually study or seek further knowledge on the topic. With the lack of proper understanding, many people suffer from traumatic memories believing that they’re abnormal or blame themselves for it.

Trauma not only affects the individual but those around them too. For example, a thoughtful person might purposefully avoid topics surrounding their friend’s trauma. However, the trauma survivor may uninterntionally misinterpret this avoidant behavior. As a result, the survivor may end up feeling even more isolated. Mishandled interactions with a trauma survivor can only prolong and exacerbate the effects of trauma.

A Common Trauma Flashback; Bullying

There are many potential causes for traumatic stress, such as natural disasters, accidents, violence, or abuse. A very common cause, however, is bullying.

Bullying is a common threatful occurrence among children, students, and even some adults. Continual physical and psychological bullying leaves significant impacts on the body and mind. In many cases, the victim feels that they are being bullied, but the perpetrator perceives it as a harmless joke or clowning around. This perception gap makes it a challenge to combat bullying. The painful experiences through bullying become deeply ingrained in the brain, recalled as flashbacks under certain conditions. Bullying can trigger stress responses that involve PTSD.

Furthermore, flashbacks can happen at a moment’s notice, even if the survivor’s not aware of their past trauma. Negative flashbacks can trigger by witnessing others go through the same painful experience, or encountering a similar situation. The repetition of this occurrence strengthens the fear of the past, causing more pain within the survivor.

Here are some countermeasures to eliminate flashbacks:

・Write down your feelings when a flashback happens.
・Write down the common triggers for your flashbacks.
・Talk to someone you can trust.
・See a therapist.

As a first step, see if you could try to reduce the frequency of flashbacks and spend less time thinking about the trauma. Deliberate stress management in this way is key in overcoming your past trauma.

Avoidance Can Backfire with Traumatic Stress

For those who have been traumatized, one way to cope is by remembering the trauma on purpose, confronting it, and proactively trying to overcome it. This method helps the survivor conquer their past while building healthy defense mechanisms. Some of us may regard forgetting trauma as a sign of success (i.e. a result of self-discipline). This, however, is a dangerous misunderstanding. “Forgetting” trauma is not necessarily the goal, as the survivor may end up blaming themselves if they ever recall the trauma again.

The natural sensitivity of trauma can lead to more serious problems if not handled correctly. We need to listen to the trauma survivor’s words and “lean in” to get through together.

Avoid Trauma, Complex PTSD, and Other Mental Illnesses

Traumatic experiences are so ingrained in the brain and body, that many people remember even when they want to forget. It’s certainly not easy to overcome. However, it is possible to live a life without any influence from the past. We need to educate and promote a compassionate approach towards trauma and flashbacks, as well as promote healthy methods of stress management. If we can prevent the survivors from withdrawing themselves into isolation, support them as a community and close friend, that will help them recover in a safe and secure environment.

The causes of trauma are different for everyone. It’s important to develop a mutual understanding in order to overcome it. All of us need to see the problems caused by trauma as a community issue, rather than an individual. Providing a community is essential for the trauma survivors to regain their normal lives again. Let’s break down the stigma so that we can all contribute towards a more wholesome and compassionate society.

→ Looking to improve your mental health? Try the SELFMIND app FREE for 1 week!
If you’re looking for more tips on how to care for your mental health, check out some of our past blog posts!

Image：Unsprash
References：
Takii, M., Ueda, J., & Tominaga, Y. (2013). Examination of the Difference of Traumatic Event by the Difference in Posttraumatic Stress Reactions, Physical Symptoms, Depressive Symptoms, and Anxiety Sensitivity. Anxiety Disorder Research, 4(1), 10-19. doi: 10.14389/adr.4.10

Kobayashi, E., & Miwa, S. (2013). Comments on Studies about Bullying : About the Definition and Measures. Ibaraki University Studies in Teaching Strategies, (32), 163-174.

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