The negativity trident
WellBeing|WellBeing #198
There is a prevailing feeling that things are just getting worse and worse, but then humans have always tended to feel that, even when things are getting much better. So why do we tend to think the sky is falling, and what can you do about it?
TERRY ROBSON
The negativity trident

In a topsy turvy world, it's easy to feel negative about things and see things as getting worse and worse. The problem is that feeling negative itself has some unfortunate effects. Psychotherapist and counsellor for Talking Matters, Marie Rowland, observes, "A negative psychological setting can lead to a chronic sense of foreboding and lack of confidence. The chronic pessimist's negativity invariably becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as they forgo opportunities and lose connections, alienating those who would otherwise be supporters."

This is echoed by Dr. Jodie Lowinger, a clinical psychologist and author of the bestselling book The Mind Strength Method, who says, "If you are continuing to get caught up in the content of your worry stories, and chase it with more thoughts about things that might possibly go wrong, then you reinforce negative neural pathways causing your amygdala to become further sensitized over time and your anxiety gets worse."

Rowland adds, "A prolonged negative mindset can lead to withdrawal or even unprovoked bouts of anger. A negative mindset is shown in the way someone holds themselves, exhibiting a more diminished sense of self."

At best negativity is unproductive and at worst is decidedly harmful, but unfortunately there is plenty of evidence to show that we still embrace it.

Pessimistic people

This story is from the WellBeing #198 edition of WellBeing.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the WellBeing #198 edition of WellBeing.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WELLBEINGView All
YOGA FOR IMPERFECTION
WellBeing

YOGA FOR IMPERFECTION

Life is messy and we all make mistakes, but by embracing imperfection, we can begin to accept all parts of ourselves.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 213
Creating the foundations of ritualist self-care
WellBeing

Creating the foundations of ritualist self-care

As a busy mum of a three-year-old and expecting another baby, finding time for self-care often feels like a luxury.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 213
Are you doom spending?
WellBeing

Are you doom spending?

If \"doom spending\" has become your go-to for coping with stress, you could be making withdrawals from not just your bank account, but your health too.

time-read
8 mins  |
Issue 213
THE POWER OF music
WellBeing

THE POWER OF music

Most of us enjoy music. But science shows music is central to being human and its effect on us is far more astonishing and impactful than we realise. Music is fundamental to life.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Issue 213
SYNTHETIC FOODS
WellBeing

SYNTHETIC FOODS

Synthetic, or genetically modified, fake meats and the like attempt to mimic real meat in both looks, taste and texture. But how much do we really know about the production process and how do they affect the environment and our bodies?

time-read
8 mins  |
Issue 213
Embracing the power of nature
WellBeing

Embracing the power of nature

Menopause is more than just a biological change, it represents a significant life stage that can present numerous challenges - from hot flushes and mood swings to fatigue and sleepless nights.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 213
Jan Fran
WellBeing

Jan Fran

From a young age, Jan Fran's deep curiosity and keen interest in social issues sparked her journey into the world of journalism. As an accomplished journalist, media commentator and broadcaster, Fran's passion for storytelling has always been driven by a desire to explore, question and shed light on the world around her.

time-read
9 mins  |
Issue 213
Helping teen girls thrive
WellBeing

Helping teen girls thrive

Statistics reveal that many more teen girls are struggling with mental health issues. What's going on with them? More importantly, what can we do to help them flourish?

time-read
9 mins  |
Issue 213
Your ageing eyes
WellBeing

Your ageing eyes

Your eyes work hard for you every waking minute. It is no surprise that how your eyes age will be determined by how you protect them. Eating the right foods can go along way towards ensuring that your eyes stay healthy for a lifetime.

time-read
8 mins  |
Issue 213
The bottom line
WellBeing

The bottom line

During the Couid pandemic, we were shocked to see people fighting in supermarkets over toilet paper and to see empty shelves that had once held roll after roll. The reasons behind the run for toilet paper during this time reflect the unique place that it holds in our psyche and are deeply rooted in our history.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 213