Do Affirmations Really Work?

What are affirmations?

Simply put affirmations or positive affirmations are a way to inspire, motivate, and invigorate towards our goals however do affirmations really work? Studies have shown with practice and consistency over time affirmation statements can change the way we think and feel.

Why use affirmations?

It’s completely normal to have negative thoughts or doubts however, the theory is that we can tell or train ourselves to think and feel in positive ways based on our core values or beliefs.

Keeping it real – there is no point in using affirmation or motivational quotes sentences that fundamentally go against what you truly believe in.

Benefits of positive self-affirmations

Do affirmations really work? There have been a number of studies done that show benefits to those that give it a real good go. Some include the following.

• Reduce stress
• Reduce anxiety
• Increase motivation
• Increased productivity
• Reduced overreactions
• Improved social resilience
• Increased optimism
• Improved sleep
• Reduce negative thinking
• Reduce procrastination

Affirmations and the brain

There have been a number of studies into the effects of self-affirmations there is strong evidence through MRI that show increased neural pathways of people implement and practice self-affirmation exercises

Common affirmations

• I believe in myself, my ability, and my knowledge
• I am a vibrant and successful individual
• My thoughts are filled with positivity and my life is plentiful with prosperity
• Some people don’t accept me, I’m ok with that
• I am a happy individual
• I have wonderful friends
• Many people look up to me and see my worth
• Whenever I fail, I try again
• I completely love and accept myself
• I bring happiness to others
• My job brings me financial plenty
• I am beautiful just the way I am
• My business is growing, expanding, and thriving
• I decide how I fee
• I deserve to be happy
• Life is full of love and I discover it everywhere around me
• I am good, I am loving and kind
• My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil
• I choose to be positive and think good thoughts
• I control my life, my anxiety does not
• Though these times are difficult, they are only a short phase of life
• I feel calm, everything is good
• I am proud of my accomplishments
• My fears of tomorrow are simply melting away
• I invite new and wonderful changes

Creating your own affirmations

Above are some common affirmations. Some may resonate with you and others not. So how do you go about creating your own positive self-affirmation statements? Here are a few tips that can help you build your own custom daily affirmations.

Getting started

Getting started can be overwhelming firstly write a list of all your perceived negative qualities then write a positive affirmation for each of your negative qualities list thirdly speak out loud each positive affirmation at least 3 times a day and lastly include mindfulness journaling.

Affirmation Statement Tips

The first thing to understand is that everyone is unique and that’s great and for this reason the more you can tailor make your affirmation statements the more impact they will have.

You want to affirm the feeling of already having what you are longing for or desiring not the feeling of wanting or needing.

In the Now!

The way affirmations work is by creating inner experiences in the immediate…meaning now not in three weeks or 3 years out.
Present tense examples.

“I am…”
“I know…”
“I love…”
“I have…”

Positivity

“I am getting my debt under control” instead use “I am wealthy and doing wonderfully”

Use your own voice

Remember these are for you, you are speaking to yourself so keep the sentences you create in a way that would sound normal for you to say or think.

Anything goes – go at it!

The awesome thing about creating your own affirmations is that you can apply them to any aspect of your life you would like to effect some positive change. The way you think, new experiences you’d like to have, feelings you wish to have and so forth.

Do affirmations really work?

Often people use affirmations to help reduce stress, social anxiety, promote self awareness and mindfulness and also in promoting a better work life balance

A very common question asked is do affirmations really work? Based on what many studies there is evidence that suggests yes. There have even been studies comparing brain scans that shown neural pathway improvements within the brain.