Keeping a thought journal can help you recognize negative thought patterns. Writing down thoughts as they come to mind throughout the day—especially during stressful or self-critical momentbonus apps—is the practice in question. Applying Cognitive Restructuring Methods. By going over these entries, people can identify recurrent themes and triggers that lead to pessimistic thoughts. Once these patterns are identified, it is simpler to apply cognitive restructuring strategies, like challenging the veracity of pessimistic ideas or substituting them with more positive ones.