We all have that voice in our heads but is it doing more harm than good? Doom scrolling, meaning obsessively scanning your world and media for bad news. It triggers the release of stress hormones that can affect your mental and physical health. Is it undermining reasoning and decision making? University of Michigan Psychologist, Ethan Kross, writes on how to change to a better perception. The past few years of “all negative” chatter have brought out two feelings that weaken our inner cheerleader. Uncertainty and lack of control.

• We are wired to react to the negative faster.
• Negative self-talk stimulates our stress response at a toxic level.
• Conversely, people with positive attitudes have a lower rate of dementia.
• Advise yourself like you would a good friend.
• Think about how you will feel the next day, good or disappointed in yourself.
• Talk to someone that will broaden your perspective.
• Reframe your situation, as a challenge not a threat.
• Exercise and eat well. A healthy body helps to create a healthy, positive mind.
• Celebrate and congratulate yourself, when you are positive in word or action.
• Practice gratitude or do a random act of kindness, every day.

Try all of the above and see how much happier and more productive you can be!