Human beings have a tendency to think distorted thoughts. A lot of them. A cognitive distortion or a thinking error is an exaggerated pattern of thought that’s not based on facts. It consequently leads you to view things more negatively than they really are.

Cognitive distortions are when your mind convinces you to believe negative things about the world, your relationships, and yourself. 

Our thoughts have a great impact on how we feel and how we behave. Everyone falls into cognitive distortions on occasion. It’s part of the human experience. This happens particularly when we’re feeling down, but if you engage too frequently in negative thoughts, your mental health can take a hit.

Becoming mindful of your cognitive distortions will help you better understand yourself and other people, and improve your decision-making.