David was overwhelmed and stressed. He had been doing his best to keep it together and stay optimistic about all the things on his schedule, but he just couldn’t do it anymore.

After all, how could he keep a positive attitude with all the chaos that was being thrown his way daily?

He was fed up, and as much as he tried to keep a positive, clear mind, he could feel all those negative emotions and toxic thoughts creeping back into his thoughts.

But what could he do about it? He felt as if he had tried everything. Was there any way to consistently keep a clear, positive mindset?

Although David was trying to stay positive, he couldn’t help but let all his stored up, toxic thoughts and emotions take over.

If you can relate to David’s problem, don’t worry! Here are 18 easy ways you can cleanse your mind and keep a positive attitude.

18 SIMPLE PRACTICES TO DETOX YOUR MIND FROM TOXIC THOUGHTS

1. CHOOSE SOMETHING YOU LOVE ABOUT YOURSELF EVERY DAY AND WRITE IT DOWN.

Post it in a place where you can read it often throughout the day or even put it on your bathroom mirror.

2. PACE YOUR BREATH.

If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, a spike in cortisol causes the frontal lobe of your brain to begin shutting down. This is why you might say silly things when you’re nervous – you’re literally not thinking straight!

A technique for normalizing cognitive function within seconds is to simply pay attention to your breath, taking long, slow, evenly-paced breaths.

Breathe in for five seconds and out for five seconds to effectively normalize cognition and keep stress from getting out of control.

3. SMILE.

Physically smiling can actually convince your brain that you are happy. By smiling when you’re feeling stressed out, you can literally trick yourself into a better mood!

4. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF.

It’s easy to say that you don’t have any time for yourself – who does in such a busy world?

However, stress is known for decreasing productivity and work quality. By taking a bit of spare time to relax and enjoy life, you can actually become more productive!

5. TURN ON YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC AND DANCE.

Dance like nobody is watching!

6. REPLACE YOUR NEGATIVE, SELF-CRITICAL THOUGHTS WITH POSITIVE THOUGHTS.

Your thoughts become your reality. As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.”

Your mind will believe whatever you tell it, so set yourself up for success by replacing negative thoughts with positive ones instead.

7. REPEAT: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT.

Why? Because you already are! We are all imperfectly perfect.

Remember this and don’t be so hard on yourself. Print this statement, and post it on your mirrors as a constant reminder.

8. WRITE A LETTER TO SOMEONE THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE YOUR FEELINGS WITH.

Tell him or her everything you have ever wanted to say – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Once you are finished, shred it, burn it, or simply toss it away.

This allows you to get your feelings out and help bring closure to the situation without causing additional conflict or hurt.

9. FOCUS ON ONE TASK AT A TIME.

Our multi-tasking world makes us continually less able to focus. This affects our productivity as well as our mood and mental health.

10. STOP WORRYING.

Although difficult, it can be accomplished. The next time you find yourself thinking about worst-case scenarios, focus on the positive instead.

11. TURN OFF YOUR TV AND READ.

This will help stimulate your mind and help you detox from all the negative images you’re bombarded with daily.

12. GET ENOUGH SLEEP.

Four to five hours each night is not enough! Sleep is a key factor in Transformational Nutrition and can mean the difference between truly healing your body and life rather than simply putting a Band-Aid on it for the short term.

13. LIGHT SCENTED BEESWAX OR PLANT-WAX CANDLES.

They are less toxic to your body than other petroleum-based candle waxes, and the flame will bring instant energy into your space.

14. DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE TODAY WITHOUT EXPECTING ANYTHING IN RETURN.

We are accustomed to receiving something in return for good actions and become disappointed when we don’t receive anything. Let go of your attachment to that idea so you can fully give and let go of that toxic need for appreciation.

15. TRY TO SEE EVERYONE IN THEIR BEST LIGHT.

When someone bumps into you on the street and does not apologize or cuts you off in traffic, just remember that you do not know anything about that person other than the current situation.

Remember the quote, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”

We are all in this together, and we are all just doing the best we can every single day.

16. GO GREEN.

Do one thing that’s environmentally friendly. This will allow you to help make a difference and connect with a living thing much bigger than yourself – the planet!

17. EAT MINDFULLY.

Every time you make a conscious choice to eat, make sure you are fully present. Start by being mindful of the food choices you are making and what you are putting on your plate.

Then, eat every bite with intention, awareness, and mindfulness. Visualize it nourishing your body and spirit.

Eat slowly. Savor the flavor. Indulge in the delicious taste.

Practicing this one concept can help cleanse your issues with food forever!

18. CREATE YOUR OWN LIST.

At ITN, we are all about personalization. What helps you let go and free your mind so you can embrace your authentic presence?

Write all of those things down, and do them often!

TO WRAP IT UP

It’s all too easy to get wrapped up in negative, toxic thoughts and let little things get you down, but life is so much more enjoyable when you don’t!

Use these steps and your own to clear and detox your mind of the negative so you can stay healthy, optimistic, and amazing!

Which of these practices will you start doing today? Share it in the comments!

Want more? Check out these 4 Steps For Creating More Joy In Your Life.