09/06/2026
Your brain is wired to notice the bad stuff more than the good. It's called negativity bias and it's not a flaw, it's a feature. But that doesn't mean you have to let it run the show.
1. Name it - When negative thoughts take over, call it out. "This is my negativity bias. My brain is trying to protect me." Acknowledging what's going on is often enough to take the edge off.
2. Balance the scales - For every negative thought, write down three neutral or positive ones. They don't have to be big. A decent coffee, a friend checking in, the weather feeling good on your walk.
3. Ask better questions - When your thoughts are stuck in a loop, try breaking the cycle. What else is true right now? What's one small thing that's going okay today?
4. Limit negative inputs - Take breaks from the news, avoid doomscrolling and choose uplifting content where you can. If staying informed matters to you, limit yourself to 30 minutes a day.
5. Seek support - Sometimes negativity bias can slip into something harder to shake. It's okay to reach out to someone you trust or make an appointment with your GP or therapist.