Sometimes you may find yourself asking the question: Do affirmations really work?
Our mind is incredible, the way it works is so complex, with it's unique patterns and own rhythm. Our mind is fascinating. It is known that we have around 6,000 thoughts per day and most of the time we couldn't say or remember what more than halve of them are. With so many daily thoughts flowing through our mind it’s unfortunate that, according to studies, most of the time they are negative. But what if we told you there is a simple way to turn negative self-talk into more positive self-talk? Well, there is and if you haven't guessed already, it is affirmations.
WHAT ARE AFFIRMATIONS?
An affirmation is a short sentence that motivates, encourages and inspires you to take positive action and form good habits. Affirm means to state that “something is true and positive”. Therefore an affirmation is a positive thought that is firmly stating it as truth. When making affirmations a part of your daily routine, you are helping yourself and your mind to choose positivity over negativity.
HOW DO AFFIRMATIONS WORK?
Affirmations are very simple. To make affirmations a part of your life, you need to start by choosing a positive phrase or statement that resinates with you and repeat it daily. As we mentioned earlier, as human beings we tend to think more negatively than we do positively, it's much easier to think a negative thought than a positive thought. So, how can we help turn this around? By affirming positive and uplifting phrases to ourselves.
The more they are repeated means the more they are imprinted into your subconscious mind, helping to positively change habits, intentions and behaviour. Words and thoughts have power and repeatedly thinking and speaking positive thoughts and beliefs overcome negative self-talk. We basically start to rewire our brain for the better.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AFFIRMATIONS?
Repeating positive affirmations daily will help to:
• Increase happiness
• Reduce negative thoughts
• Support overall well-being
• Increase better mood
• Keep the small things in perspective
• Improve daily performance and motivation
• Reduce the effects of stress mentally and physically
• Create a better outlook on life
• Improve successes in your life
• Improve confidence and self-worth
• Support mental health
HOW TO USE AFFIRMATIONS AND ONES TO TRY
Of course anyone can practice affirmations straight away but there are two ground rules that you should to keep in mind.
1. Create specific times during the day for repeating them. Good times may be early in the morning, not long before waking up or right before you go to bed. It’s a personal journey, so there is no right or wrong, try what works best for you but stick to a dedicated time.
2. When speaking or writing down your affirmations use the present tense, because remember you want results now, not in the future! Always start with I am or I have, not I will or I want.
Here are a few of our favourite affirmations that we recommend and will help to get you started...
I believe in myself, and trust my own wisdom.
I am in charge of my thoughts, and I don’t judge myself.
I am healthy, I am wealthy, and I am wise.
I am confident and motivated and capable of achieving great things.
I’m gifted with and surrounded by amazing friends and family.
I accept and love myself, thoroughly and completely.
I am loved in abundance and I return this love equally.
I am successful and achieve anything I put my mind too.
I choose positive energy, I only welcome positive situations and people into my life.
Remember, choose affirmations that resinate with you and what you want to attract more of into your life. We hope that this helps to curb any negative thoughts you may have and helps you along the path to optimum well-being, achieving true happiness from the soul.