“The thoughts in our minds are not facts. Our thinking only has control over us if we believe it. Let go of the belief in the thought to let go of the suffering.” ~ Don’t Believe Everything You Think
 

Our thoughts can be both a gift and a curse. When we cross a certain threshold, we often find ourselves caught in the vicious cycle of overthinking. Ironically, the harder we try to escape, the deeper we seem to sink.

Lingering too long in this negative space can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, anger, sadness, and in some cases, even depression.

When this happens, our vibrational frequency—the energy we emit into the world—lowers, making us more likely to attract negativity into our lives.

This is because, as the saying goes, like attracts like.

But this doesn’t mean you have to be happy all the time or ignore your problems. It’s crucial to honor all your feelings. What’s more important is recognizing when you’re caught in negative thinking and understanding that these thoughts are often the root cause of how you’re feeling.

Once you’re aware of this, don’t fight your thoughts. Simply acknowledge them with compassion, and then gently release them. It may be challenging, but it’s worth the effort.

Here are a few practical ways to shift your energy and settle your mind:
 

1. Practice Gratitude for the Simple Things

Start by acknowledging the simple things in life that we often take for granted. These are everyday aspects of life, yet they hold great significance.

For example, having food on the table is something many of us don’t think twice about, yet countless people don’t have that luxury. Taking a moment to be grateful for the food you have can help shift your energy and raise your vibration.

Similarly, having a roof over your head is another thing we often overlook. But when you recognize the safety and protection your home provides, you open yourself to enjoying life to the fullest.

Think about the clean water you have access to, something not everyone in the world can take for granted. Or consider the people in your life who support you—whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a pet. Knowing you’re not alone and that you have people who love and care for you can be incredibly grounding.

These are just a few examples, but when you take the time to reflect on the good in your life, it can significantly shift your energy and mindset, helping you to stay more present and positive.
 

2. Stay Present and Mindful

When you focus on the present moment, you’re less likely to dwell on negative thoughts about the past or worries about the future. Being present allows you to enjoy life more fully and match the frequency of abundance.

Now that you’re in a higher vibrational state, ask yourself: If I had infinite money, had already traveled the world, had no fear, and didn’t need any recognition for what I do, what would I create or do?

This question is powerful because it removes most of the barriers—like fear, criticism, and external validation—that often cloud our decisions. It’s a great exercise for receiving guidance from the divine and acting from a place of inspiration rather than desperation.
 

3. Focus on Your Breathing

Take 1-2 minutes to focus solely on your breathing. This simple practice is an excellent way to bring yourself back to mindfulness and presence, helping you stay focused on what truly matters.

When you feel your analytical mind taking over, pause and breathe deeply. Make sure you’re breathing with your stomach and through your nose. During this time, focus only on the sensation of air entering and leaving your body.

Once you’ve centered yourself, take another 1-2 minutes to observe the world around you. Shift your attention from your thoughts to your surroundings. Notice the people walking by, the ambient sounds of nature, and the warmth of the sun on your skin. These moments are powerful reminders of all that we have to be grateful for, even when we take them for granted.

By focusing on gratitude, being present, and mindful breathing, you can lift yourself out of negative loops and elevate your vibration.

There will always be things outside of our control that challenge our thinking and happiness, such as the death of a loved one, a breakup, or losing a job. In these times, striving to be happy isn't realistic or healthy. It's just as important to honor your emotions as it is to maintain a high vibration.

The secret lies in what we do every day—our conscious decisions and habits that promote happiness, fulfillment, and peace. These practices will help you navigate challenging times with more ease.

No matter what’s got you down or how long you’ve been feeling this way, the first step is simple: discover why your mind is subconsciously rejecting happiness.

We call this your ‘Happiness Hurdle.’ By taking a quick quiz, you can discover exactly what’s holding you back and learn how to overcome it for good, so you can experience unconditional happiness.

If you’d like to uncover your #1 happiness hurdle, take the free quiz here.