The Traffic Light Technique
What is the Traffic Light Technique?
The Traffic light Technique is a fabulous tool that helps stop negative thinking or worrying instantly. It uses visualisation and distraction to alter the brain’s thought process which is automatically wired to protect you from anything that might be harmful.
How does it work?
When negative thoughts or worries start to creep in, picture the traffic lights in your mind. Then work through each colour systematically.
RED
Is for danger, you need to stop any intrusive, negative or worrying thoughts and accept that these are just thoughts and not facts. You can even write them down on paper to get them out of your head more easily.
AMBER
Pause and take a deep breathe in through your nose, sigh and smile. Then visualise your happy place.
Deep breathing increases the oxygen supply to your brain stimulating a state of calm which will automatically send a signal to your nervous system to calm down.
Sighing acts as a psychological re-setter for our brain – we can trick our brain into thinking that something is over before it even starts.
Smiling (even if it is a fake one) triggers a chemical reaction that releases ‘happy hormones’ lifting your mood instantly.
Visualising somewhere that you love such as a holiday destination or a place of beauty will bring to mind a scene that makes you feel good. Use your senses and imagine the feeling of the warm sun on your face, the sand beneath your feet or the cool breeze on your face. Smell the fresh air or the fragrance of flowers and hear the birds singing or the waves crashing.
GREEN
Change your state. Do something completely different, stretch, dance, laugh and act on your positive intentions. Now you have taken back control, you can see the green light more clearly and it is time to act. Move your body to release endorphins, making you feel better in general. This can be dancing, stretching, jogging on the spot or anything else that takes your fancy. Now without a second thought, act on your positive intentions. You have the freedom and power to do whatever you want to do. You are your own boss, the author of your life story. The traffic light is green so GO GO GO!
Download our FREE Traffic Light Technique to remind you that you are in the driving seat on your journey of life. It takes just seconds for the lights to change and just seconds for you to change your thought process.
We have many more free printable downloads available.
Frequently Asked Questions
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