Begin Thought Stopping

Another tool that many with anxiety have found helpful has been termed “Thought Stopping”. The goal of thought stopping is to interrupt the fearful thought or negative line of thinking.

Here's what you do:

Step I: When you notice a negative or fearful thought tell yourself “Stop”.

Step II: Visualize one of the following:

1. A stop sign
2. A stop light
3. A hand
4. A fire extinguisher
5. Anything that represents stopping or erasing the thought

Step III: You replace the negative thought with a positive thought (a good idea is to prepare some of these in advance) – click here for examples of positive thoughts.

Note. When you begin this process it is likely to feel very contrived. You won't be good at it right away, it will take time and that is O.K.