A psychologist explains why negativity dominates your daily thoughts, and what to do about it

Brain science offers strategies that go beyond positive affirmations to create more lasting change. We’ve all been there, mired in the throes of pessimism when life just doesn’t seem to be going our way. For the lucky ones, this entirely natural, though disconcerting, feeling ebbs and flows, ultimately dissolving into a more balanced, healthier state of mind. For hapless others, though, the extreme negative thoughts and ideation can overwhelm—even becoming “who they are.”  At worst, i...