You have probably heard of people using positive affirmations to improve their mindset and promote growth and clarity. Some people use these affirmations as a goal-setting method, while others use them to increase their confidence and cast out self-doubt. Affirmations can often be paired with meditation or yoga practice. At first, it may seem silly, especially if you’ve never tried using affirmations before. Keep trying, though, and it will soon become second nature, and the mental benefits will become more evident.
According to an article in The Washington Post, “Affirming things about yourself that you value can help bolster your overall sense of self and self-worth, and it can improve your ability to cope with destabilizing experiences.”
Another article from Total Wellness Health states that positive affirmations can change thought patterns and promote positive behavioral changes. So, practicing them can be particularly helpful for those struggling with anxiety, depression, or self-esteem issues.
But how do you start?
When starting a new healthy habit, it’s always good to take inventory of where you currently stand. Ask yourself in what aspects you feel the least confident. What is a compliment that is often hard for you to receive? Take those answers and turn them into a statement opposite to your current thought process. For example, let’s say you struggle with accepting compliments about your smile because you always get self-conscious about your teeth. So, instead of shutting down and rejecting the compliment, create an affirmation like, “I have a smile that brings joy to the world.” That helps you change the perspective and show a positive aspect of something you used to view as negative.
If you are currently in a place where your self-esteem may be waiving, try a handful of these each morning and see if you notice any difference. It can be beneficial to pick a handful and read each aloud to yourself. You can even read them while looking in a mirror to make them more powerful. Respect that during this, you may feel vulnerable. That is okay. The fact that you’re trying to work and reverse any mental blocks you may have speaks of tremendous growth in itself.
Example Affirmations:
- I am enough.
- I am strong.
- I am growing into the person I am meant to be.
- I am resilient.
- I am loved.
- I am unapologetically myself.
- I am learning every day.
- I have a community.
- I strive for peace.
- I grow through challenges.
- I always do my best.
- I deserve to be happy.
- My future is positive.
Life is too short to cause ourselves suffering, especially when we regularly see human beings doing it to one another. So practice these small affirmations daily and see if you notice a difference in your mindset. Do you have any affirmations you love? Let us know in the comments below!
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