Affirmations are positive and present tense statements that a person declares to be true about themselves. They are used to create better habits and improve experiences.
By practicing affirmations, a person can change their behaviors, health, mood, and thinking patterns.
Benefits of Affirmations
-Decrease stress and worrying
-Increase physical activity
-Cope better with everyday challenges
-Increase hopefulness
-Build self-esteem & confidence
-Reduce depression
Here is a study that shows how positive affirmations can effect reward centers in the brain leading to objectively achieved behavior changes!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4814782/
When do I use affirmations?
You can use affirmations in any situation where you’d like to see a positive change take place in your life. This might include when you want to:
- Before an important event to help raise your confidence
- Lower difficult emotions like anger and anxiety
- Increase your self-esteem
- Find the motivation to work towards goals
- Quit a habit that is negatively effecting your life
How to use affirmations
-Repeat them throughout the day using slow, relaxing breaths
-Write them down on post-its and leave around your home
-Try an affirmation app on your phone
Comment your favorite affirmation to use!
Caroline Hubschman, LSW 