By Jessica Feagin | Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

Positive affirmations are words and phrases that help people focus on the good and see things (and themselves) more positively. Some people may struggle with negative thoughts about themselves, and an easy and effective way to deal with those thoughts is to use positive affirmations. Psychologists have found the benefits of writing down and speaking positive affirmations similar to exercising but more beneficial for the brain. Ways to use affirmations are to be consistent in using them daily, involve your loved ones for support, start slow by repeating one affirmation a day, combine your affirmations with action, be personal, set your affirmations in the present, and be patient with yourself even before you start seeing changes in the way you feel (Helfand, 2022).

The best way to create affirmations is to write them on a sticky note or notebook to visualize what you want to achieve. Research has proven that positive affirmations work and are beneficial by decreasing health-deteriorating stress, reducing anxiety, controlling self-sabotaging thoughts and speech, promoting positive coping, improving mood, improving problem-solving under stress, enhancing self-esteem, and can help you find love (Kristenson, 2022).

Some examples of positive affirmations are:

• I am smart.
• I am healthy.
• I am talented.
• I am beautiful.
• I am blessed.
• I am worthy and appreciated.
• I am at peace with myself.
• I am loved.

Positive affirmations can help you decrease negative thoughts and increase positive thinking and self-esteem. Repeat positive affirmations daily, just like you would brush your teeth. Making this a part of your daily routine will keep those negative thoughts away and keep you in a happier state of mind. Have you created positive affirmations for yourself? If so, please share.

References:

Helfand, E. (2022, June 27). The benefits of positive affirmations. Wellspring Center for Prevention. https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/the-benefits-of-positive-affirmations

Kristenson, S. (2022, April 28). 9 science-backed benefits of using positive affirmations. Happier Human. https://www.happierhuman.com/benefits-affirmations