You are what you think. That’s the idea behind positive affirmations. The word affirmation comes from the Latin ‘affirmare’, meaning “to make steady, strengthen.” In the fast-paced world we live in today, starting your day with positive affirmations can have a powerful impact on your well-being.
Incorporating positive affirmations into your daily routine can lay the groundwork for a mentally and emotionally healthier you.
What are positive affirmations?
Positive affirmations are mantras or statements you can repeat to yourself regularly to change the way you think and feel about yourself; for example “I am confident in myself and my abilities.” By using affirmations, you can reframe your mindset, replace negative thoughts with positive ones, boost your well-being and cultivate a more positive outlook on life. Using daily affirmations can form part of your self-care routine and help you make desired changes in your life.
What are the benefits of positive affirmations?
Research has shown that positive affirmations really do work. A recent study found that, if used consistently, positive affirmations can successfully help you to maintain a positive self-image, and increase your feelings of self-worth. By consciously choosing uplifting thoughts and beliefs, you can set the tone for a productive and fulfilling day ahead.
Positive affirmations can help you to:
- Boost self-esteem
- Enhance overall well-being
- Promote a positive mindset
- Reframe negative thought patterns
- Improve your mental health
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Increase motivation and help to visualise goals
- Encourage self-care practices
How to get started with positive affirmations
The first step is to pick an affirmation that works for you. You can use a phrase you’ve heard or you can come up with your own. The affirmation should be framed in positive terms and reflect areas of your life where you want to make positive changes. The important thing is to choose an affirmation that resonates with you personally.
Crafting powerful affirmations
To craft effective affirmations, start with the powerful “I am” phrase; for example, “I am worthy of love and happiness”, “I am capable of achieving my goals”, or “I am stronger than I know”. Affirmations should be personal, positive, in the present tense, and precise.
To help you stick with the practice, you can write your affirmation(s) on post-it notes and place them around your home, you can write them in a journal, or keep them in your phone's Notes app; and set a reminder to repeat or reread your affirmations at the same time every day. Some people say their affirmations out loud in front of a mirror while others prefer to write them down. Find which way works best for you.
Practicing affirmations on a daily basis is key to their effectiveness, especially if you’re trying to change your thinking patterns or behaviours; and repeat them consistently, preferably in the morning, to set a positive tone for the day.
There are lots of different apps that focus on positive affirmations you can use to get inspiration for your own, or to set reminders to practice them throughout the day, such as ThinkUp, Gratitude, Unique Daily Affirmations, Mantra or I am.
At Allianz Partners, our mission is to keep you well. Whether you need help, advice or support, our Helpline is here for you 24/7. Contact us today.
