Question

-How you could "dispute" potential irrational thoughts/beliefs you may have (personally, in your own life) that hinder your progress or confidence, and give at least one example of more rational/effective self-talk that could take its place.
-What did you learn about yourself in terms of the choices you are making in your life and how they impact your overall health and wellness? What areas in your life might need different choices to be made for optimal health?

Answer 1

One effective tool that one can use to counter irrational thoughts and beliefs is the use of a thought log. A thought log includes includes two columns: one in which we can write a negative thought or belief, and the other in which we can pen possible rational counter-statements. Writing down one’s thoughts allow us to further practice identifying different ways we could have seen a single situation, and how these perspectives may have affected their feelings about that situation.

I have realised that worries and anxious preoccupations are not only affecting my mental health but my physical health as well. I can clearly recall experiencing several sleepless nights, lack of appetite and frequent consumption of liquor triggered due to the constant stream of negative thoughts in my head. Therefore, the first change I need to make in my life is to effectively counter those thoughts.