What is an affirmation?

‍

Affirmations are positive statements used to challenge negative thoughts and build self-confidence, motivation, and self-esteem. They can be a helpful tool for self-care and positive change. Many people use affirmations to boost their mood and confidence when they are feeling down, or when they aren’t seeing the value in themselves. Affirmations are very easy to implement in your life, you can say them to yourself out loud, write them on a sticky note for you to see, or even just repeat them in your head!

‍

Do they actually work?

‍

This can be a common thought to those unfamiliar with affirmations, we can admit they can appear to be silly at first glance! However, science supports the effectiveness of positive affirmations. In one study, repeating self-affirmations resulted in the rewiring of certain brain centers associated with how we view ourselves; which led to positive impacts on self-image [1]. In another study, researchers found that affirmations can help us overcome challenges by expanding our sense of self and reducing our perception of obstacles [2]. This means that affirmations can help us grow self-assurance which gives us the confidence to face difficult things.

‍

That’s why we created this list of positive affirmations to help you get started. Feel free to choose which affirmations work for you. Not every affirmation has to resonate, but don’t let that stop you from trying. Try repeating one affirmation a few times every morning, then slowly add more to your daily routine.

‍

• Today I am going to be my best self

• I am worthy of love and respect

• I am going to be alright

• I am beautiful inside and out

• All I can do is my best

• I am resilient, strong, and brave, and I can face any challenges that come my way

• I accept and love myself, thoroughly, and completely

• Whatever difficulties come my way, I have the power to overcome them

• I am capable of achieving my goals

• I am growing at my own pace

• I belong

• I am safe and in control

• I leave what no longer serves me  

• My self-worth isn’t determined by my achievements

• My worth doesn’t depend on how I look

• I trust myself

• This difficult feeling is only temporary

• I am open to healing

• My past does not define me

• I have made it this far, and I won’t stop now

‍

Remember you aren’t limited to these affirmations, feel free to personalize, or even make up your own affirmation. What matters is that each affirmation you use makes you feel good about yourself and helps set a strong foundation for your self-esteem to grow. Come back to this list when you feel down, or if you want to continue recognizing your self-worth!

‍

1. Cascio, C. N., O'Donnell, M. B., Tinney, F. J., Lieberman, M. D., Taylor, S. E., Strecher, V. J., & Falk, E. B. (2016). Self-affirmation activates brain systems associated with self-related processing and reward and is reinforced by future orientation. Social cognitive and affective neuroscience, 11(4), 621–629. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsv136

2. Critcher, C. R., & Dunning, D. (2015). Self-affirmations provide a broader perspective on self-threat. Personality & social psychology bulletin, 41(1), 3–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167214554956

‍