The Power of Affirmations

Would you believe me if I told you repeating a few positive phrases to yourself during a stressful moment or before you start your day can help you reset, refocus, and celebrate life every day?

You may find it hard to believe how just a few words can be so powerful that they can alter your mood and elevate your day. But the true power of these phrases you tell yourself, or “affirmations” as they're called, is that they can work as precise guides to help you remember your priorities, live in the now, and focus on the task at hand. Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself either out loud or in your head. They can be about anything – from your career goals to your personal relationships. They could be simple lines like “I am worthy of love and joy,” or “I am strong and fit.” Affirmations help you believe in yourself and can work not just for you, but also for your family.

Using affirmations can help you harness your thoughts and emotions to improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Studies show that positive thinking can truly change your life and help you achieve your goals and reduce loneliness. When you set your affirmations, make sure you always state them as if they are already real. This will allow your mind to start believing that what you are affirming is true and it will begin to take steps to make it a reality.

You can also create your own affirmations based on your specific goals and desires. Just remember to keep them positive, present tense, and emotion filled.

Here are a few ways in which you can use affirmations to seize the day:

To Boost Your Confidence

Have you noticed how you talk, sit, or walk after you had a win during the day? You feel confident and are ready to take on the world. Similarly, when you receive bad news or have a stressful day, your body language changes, and you may find yourself slumping in your chair. Your thoughts guide your physical reactions, and research underlines this mind-body connect.

You can try an affirmation practice and by using a few simple phrases, you will be able to discover a deeper meaning of your true self-worth, because when you are feeling self-assured, it shows up in everything you do.

To Be Self Aware and Prepared

Do you ask yourself, "what is my intention for today?" Give every day a particular theme and purpose. Setting a daily purpose using affirmations lessens the pressure and overwhelming emotions so you don’t feel the need to figure everything out right away. To do this, all you need is a spoken affirmation. Tell yourself what you need to do for the day.

A guided meditation using affirmations can help you reclaim your attention and build self-confidence so you're better equipped to cope with whatever life throws at you.

To Set an Example

We are not alone. Each day our interactions leave an impact on us, especially with those closest to us. Our family and friends are part of our larger consciousness. When we choose to incorporate mindfulness and meditation in our lives, it sets an example for those around us. Practicing affirmations to achieve your goals will also encourage those around you to follow suit. Children can gain confidence by learning to use positive affirmations to help build their self-esteem.

Research shows how using simple phrases like “I am smart” or “I am confident” can help kids realise their self-worth and help them in social interactions. As Dr Kien Vuu explains in an episode of my podcast, gratitude positively impacts our health and longevity.  Affirmations of gratitude — ‘I am grateful for my day’ or ‘I am grateful for my friends’ can also help both children and adults embrace Wholistic Wellbeing.  

So, the next time you feel like beating yourself up for the things you did wrong, or feel like you're not doing well enough, take a breather and try to realign your subconscious using the power of affirmations.