The Benefits of Positive Affirmations

By: Kimberly Hill, MSW, LCSW

An affirmation or "positive affirmation" can be defined as using a phrase or quote to say to yourself in order to help with challenging thoughts. Many people say positive affirmations or read quotes to help change their current mindset or to motivate them to accomplish a task. According to Positive Psychology, "If you frequently find yourself getting caught up in negative self-talk, positive affirmations can be used to combat these often subconscious patterns and replace them with more adaptive narratives". With that being said, the goal of using or saying a positive affirmation is to train your mind to help encourage you.

The benefits of positive affirmations are reported to decrease stress and advance academic or career support. Psychologists have found that this is similar to exercising, but for your brain! So, what exactly do affirmations or positive affirmations look like? Listed below are a few examples that can help improve your daily thoughts!

• 1.Today is going to be a great day!
• 2.You are amazing!
• 3.I can do it!
• 4.I am in charge of my actions and words!
• 5.I am ENOUGH.
• 6.I am proud of myself.
• 7.Today, I choose to be confident.
• 8.I believe in my goals and dreams.
• 9.I can get through anything I put my mind to.
• 10.Everything will be OK.
  
  

Being able to implement positive affirmations as a part of your daily lifestyle can be a situation where it's "easier said than done" but consistency can go a long way if you try. If you continue to take charge of your own success, you'll be heading in the right direction. If you find yourself having a hard time providing positivity for yourself, try reaching out to a supportive person in your life! Support can come from a friend, family member, teacher, counselor etc.Having support is a great opportunity to grow mentally and physically. A trusted friend of mine always said "It only works if you try it". If you are having difficulty starting this process, try repeating 1 affirmation a day and then increasing as the days go by. The first step can be the hardest but as previously stated, you'll be heading forward!

https://positivepsychology.com/daily-affirmations/