So much of our STRESS MANAGEMENT is knowing that we have CHOICES. Chapter 9 refers to the dialogue that seems to run non-stop in our minds as SELF-TALK. One technique to convert negative thoughts to neutral thoughts is called THOUGHT STOPPING. When you catch yourself thinking negatively you interrupt the flow of consciousness and say to yourself, “STOP THE THOUGHT.” With PRACTICE–THOUGHT STOPPING can help to disarm your negative critic and give balance to emotions and thoughts. Chapter 9 teaches us how to replace or dispute these negative thoughts with other positive thoughts.
One very important understanding is AWARENESS. We first have to be aware of our thoughts and feelings. Validating what you are FEELING is important. This is not to deny what you are thinking or feeling. We have a CHOICE. We can change what we are thinking, that is, see another perspective. The thought stopping or COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING as the author states: is rethinking a potential stressor. That rethinking can change EMOTIONS and our BEHAVIOR. That is, thoughts (T) can change emotions (E) which can change actions (A) or behavior or even our internal activity, such as, our stress level.
