Killing the ANTs
Writing down automatic negative thoughts and putting each one on trial
ANT stands for automatic negative thought. The routine is short: when a thought leaves you feeling bad, write it down, name the pattern it belongs to, then ask whether it is actually true and who you would be without it. People who use it treat it as a daily habit rather than a one-off exercise, and the underlying method is ordinary cognitive behavioral therapy with a memorable label on it. Cheerfulness is not the target; accuracy is, since optimism about real risks carries costs of its own. A notebook covers the whole cost.
People on record
Sorted by strength of stance
Does it: documented as part of their own routine. Recommends: explicitly advises other people to do it. Discusses: covered it substantively without clear personal adoption; this can include criticism or disagreement.
- Daniel AmenRecommends
Psychiatrist · Change Your Brain, Change Your Life
ANTs are automatic negative thoughts, and the name is his. He told CNBC that the worst thing anyone can do in a hard stretch is believe every stupid thing they think, and that watching too much news loads the file up. Catch the thought, write it down, then question whether it is actually true.
Source: CNBC Make It: Ping pong, walks and mind exercises: Brain-boosting habits of a renowned brain doctor during self-quarantine
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On record from 2 of 62 tracked people: 1 does it, 1 has discussed it - ProtocolFREE, no cost
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On record from 2 of 62 tracked people: 1 does it, 1 recommends it - ProtocolFREE, no cost
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Vision setting
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On record from 2 of 62 tracked people: 2 do it
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