Healthy thinking

We know that our thinking affects us.

It’s tied to how we feel emotionally and physically, and it affects how we deal with problems.

We often hear that we should practice positive thinking. The problem with that is that no one can think positively all the time. For example, it’s likely hard to think positively about unexpectedly losing your job, no matter how much of an optimist you are.

The best thing we can do is think in healthy, helpful ways.

Healthy thinking is thinking about something in a balanced way - looking at a situation or problem for what it really is. It means looking at all factors in a situation and then deciding how you feel about it. Practicing healthier, more balanced thinking can help you respond to life events and relationships, and it can also improve your confidence and self-esteem.

Tip: Talking to a professional about what’s bothering you can really help. Counselors can help you by teaching you how to work through your issues and identify your “thinking traps.” Thinking traps are unhelpful ways of thinking that make it difficult to problem solve or handle different situations.  All PHC employees are entitled to free counseling services through our partnership with the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). In addition, you may have access to a counselor through school, work or through special services for your cultural or faith community.

Reference:  www.cmha.bc.ca/get-informed/mental-health-information/improving-mh#B