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Image: Hemera | Thinkstock + Scrubs
When was the last time you took inventory of your recurring thoughts? Studies have shown that freeing your mind of negativity is one immediate way of reducing stress that can have lasting effects on your health and mental well-being.
Whether it’s the first thing that flashes across your mind in the morning or those troubling “what ifs” that crop up during your busiest shift, examining these thoughts and reframing them in the positive can have a powerful effect on your mood.
Positive reframes
Here are five common phrases that can run your mood into the ground and five positive reframes to use instead.
Negative thought: There’s nothing I can do.
Positive mantra: I can always try my best and that’s the most that anyone can do.
Negative thought: I’ll never get over this.
Positive mantra: I have the strength to persevere and time will always bring about change.
Negative thought: I hate the way I look today.
Positive mantra: I’m valued for my thoughts and actions and not by my appearance.
Negative thought: I’m nervous and shaky and I’ll probably mess up everything.
Positive  mantra: I’ll be just fine if I breathe deeply and remember to relax.
Negative thought: No one cares anymore.
Positive mantra: The world isn’t perfect, but there are people who are good and want to help others.
Start a “thought journal” and write down your own common negative thoughts and create your own reframes. The act of writing down new positive thoughts will help you feel in control of your mood and more at ease. After a couple of weeks, you can look back and pick your favorite mantras to help soothe your nerves during your toughest shifts.
What are some of your favorite mantras?
