Daily Positive Affirmations – The Answer To Shifting Your Mindset

Daily positive affirmations: that new-age spiritual woo-woo stuff that you keep hearing so much about actually has some science behind it. We’re about to do a deep dive into positive affirmations and the very real impact they can have on your life. We’ll be covering the who, what, when, where, and how of affirmations (+ any questions you may have). This is the answer to all your burning questions about affirmations (even the ones you haven’t yet thought of). We aren’t just covering the affirmation basics – we’re hosting an intensive, with all the bells and whistles.

Affirmations have the power to change the way you talk to yourself, which dominos into shifting the way you present yourself. It’s happened to me. I am a living example of affirmations that have worked their science-backed magic. The best part about using positive affirmations is that you’re never pigeonholed to repeating only one specific daily affirmation.

For instance, if I’m working on my money mindset then I use money affirmations, whereas if I’m working on my confidence then I might use self-empowering affirmations. You can fluctuate between affirmations, and create your own affirmation rituals or habits. I’m not here to sell you on it, I rather let you make an informed decision.

Let’s get into it, shall we?

Disclaimer: The purpose of my blog is to assist people in making changes in their lives through supportive guidance. This blog’s information is based on my life experience and sources credited in each post. By reading my blog, you acknowledge that I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or health care professional. My services do not replace the care of psychologists, doctors, or other healthcare professionals.

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Daily Positive Affirmations – The Answer To Shifting Your Mindset

I’d apologize for my dramatic interlude of a title but affirmations do have the power to shift your mindset. I may not have all the answers, but I’ve certainly covered an extensive amount of information on daily positive affirmations. As with any well-written article, let’s start with the what (according to my college profs, albeit not always true).

What Are Affirmations?

An affirmation is a positive phrase or statement that is used to help you overcome negative thought patterns and reframe your mindset. By default affirmations are positive. They can be recited daily and frequently to serve as a reminder, that you are in fact an incredible being. Positive affirmations are there to help change the way you think and feel about yourself – hence the shift in your mindset.

Think about affirmations as a positive thinking practice, through self-empowerment. By using an affirmation you are affirming the phrase or statement as the truth. You can either repeat these positive statements out loud or in your head.

How Do Affirmations Work?

According to Dr. David Schechter (a pioneer in integrative mind-body medicine), affirmations help us challenge the self-sabotaging thoughts in our heads, by reprogramming our brains. There was a study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience in which an MRI was used to reveal a shift in the reward centers of your brain, by practicing positive affirmations. Repeating affirmations lights up a reward center in your brain the same way a pleasure experience would. The science behind affirmations is proof that it works by firing up your neural pathways to change the areas in your brain that provide you with positivity and happiness.

The repetition of affirmations leads to influencing and triggering your subconscious mind into a positive framework. As you repeat these affirmations you begin to believe in them. As the great Muhammad Ali once said, “It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” After all, affirmations are rewiring your neural networks in your favor which takes both time and effort.

I’ve noticed that it is not enough to blindly repeat affirmations. I mean, don’t download a bunch of affirmations and jump into your day by repeating them. I think it takes effort on your end to trust that your chosen affirmations are in alignment with you. For example, I used to have very low self-confidence. Things like social settings with strangers, public speaking, and presentations terrified me. I found myself slipping into a negative fear-based thinking pattern of feeling inadequate.

I worked on changing the way I thought about myself, starting with catching myself when I would say unkind things like – “I’m going to embarrass myself” or “I have no value to add”. What, I started to do is replace those negative thoughts with daily positive affirmations, like “I have a strong and confident voice”, “What I have to offer is important” and “I can do anything, I set my mind to”.

You guessed it – those affirmations paired with a daily practice of being kind to myself changed my trajectory. The universe heard me. In 2020 I co-hosted a self-care and wellness event for women and knocked it straight out of the park. With trust, conviction, and some affirmations in my back pocket, I made what seemed impossible, possible.

What Are the Benefits of Positive Affirmations?

Positive affirmations benefits are in the plenty. Let’s take in that many well-known celebrities, spiritual leaders, and people like me, swear by it. For example, lawyer, writer, and former FLOTUS, Michelle Obama, has a daily positive affirmation practice. In a past tweet Michelle, stated she practices the daily positive mantra, “Am I good enough? Yes, I am”. If you want to hear Michelle’s take on overcoming self-doubt and fear, grab her latest book “The Light We Carry”. If using positive statements works for Michele Obama, then they can certainly work for me.

Let’s explore a few of the benefits that positive affirmations provide.

Decrease Stress and Reduce Anxiety

A study titled, Self-Affirmation Improves Problem-Solving Under Stress was published in 2013 with findings that self-affirmations improved problems solving in underperforming chronically stressed individuals. Essentially, using self-affirming phrases decrease stress and encourages problem-solving. I’ve found the same to be true in work settings, where I practice affirmation coaching before a meeting or presentation – I tend to do well. I’ve severely reduced my anxiety by taking a holistic approach, using positive affirmations, therapy, and breathwork.

Improve Mood and Shift Mindset

If you think about improving your physical health, there have to be repetitive exercises in play, as exercise is to physical health – affirmations have the power to improve your mind. Research shows that self-affirmations increase overall well-being by allowing individuals to focus on sources of positive self-worth. Future-oriented affirmations influence the behavior in the landscape of your mind, for a rather positive effect.

Boosts Your Overall Health

A Study in Health Psychology found that deploying self-affirmations with persuasive health information has positive effects on health-related stress. In another research article about the effects of self-affirmation on the brain’s response to health, we learn that using affirmations prior to providing health messages, increases the receptivity of the information. So, instead of becoming defensive individuals are likely to be open to behavior change that welcomes improving their overall health.

Do Affirmations Work?

Affirmations do work and there is science to prove it. Repeating positive affirmations can boost your mental health and well-being when followed up with mindful practice. In other words, don’t repeat affirmations mindlessly, without belief. Trust that what you are saying about yourself is true and pay attention to the words. If negative self-talk has such a big impact on us, then imagine what positive self-talk can do for you.

I went through a huge part of life, telling myself, I’m socially awkward, I’m shy, I don’t know how to communicate, and so on. Until I stopped. I would catch myself in these moments of negative self-talk and ask myself if the story I’m telling myself is in fact true. To replace those negative thoughts, I implemented positive affirmations on a daily basis and here we are today – happier, calmer, and in a healthier headspace.

How To Write Positive Affirmations?

Write your own affirmations using three easy steps: identity limiting beliefs, brainstorm positive qualities and use those positive qualities as support for writing positive statements.

Step 1: Think about the limiting beliefs or negative thoughts you have about yourself. For example, if you think you’re not smart – that is a limiting belief. Now take a moment to write down limiting beliefs from different areas of your life.

Step 2: Now think about your positive traits and qualities in relation to those limiting beliefs. For example, maybe you’re a quick thinker or you are wise beyond your years. Brainstorm a range of ideas.

Step 3: Create positive statements using the information you gathered about yourself in the steps above. One of your affirmation statements might be, “I am a quick thinker that has incredibly smart ideas”.

Write down 3-5 affirmation statements for as many areas of your life as you need (e.g. finances, home, health, etc.). If you need a hand with writing affirmations, then be sure to download my positive affirmations pdf.

Daily Positive Affirmations Examples

These examples of affirmations are a great starting point to work on the landscape of your mind. Not all of these examples might be useful or applicable to you. So, take what you need from this list of affirmations and leave the rest.

5 Affirmations for Positive Thinking

1. I wake every morning to a day full of blessings
2. My life is complete with all the best choices
3. There is no hurdle or hardship that I cannot overcome
4. Each day is an opportunity to learn and grow
5. I deserve all the good things

10 Positive Affirmations for Kids

1. I am loved.
2. I am smart.
3. I am kind.
4. I am going to have an amazing day.
5. My words are powerful.
6. People want to hear what I say.
7. I believe in myself.
8. Today I will do my best.
9. Mistakes are okay, they let me learn.
10. I am enough, just the way I am.

8 Affirmations for Self-Esteem

1. All I need is within me now.
2. I accept and like myself unconditionally.
3. I am unique with unwavering potential.
4. I love my body and all that it does for me.
5. My presence is a present to all.
6. I will always choose myself.
7. I have always been adored and pursued.
8. I respect my own boundaries.

6 Affirmations for Men

1. I am the embodiment of greatness.
2. I am powerful and strong.
3. My focus is unmatched.
4. I conquer everything I set my mind to.
5. I am always moving forward.
6. I am getting closer to success every day.

10 Affirmations for Mom

1. I do the best I can with what I have.
2. I am enough.
3. I am allowed to be sad sometimes.
4. I am a good mom.
5. Failing means that I am learning.
6. I am worthy of good things.
7. I make the right decisions for my family.
8. I trust my maternal intuition.

5 Affirmations for Abundance

1. All the money I spend comes back to me tenfold.
2. I trust the universe to provide all that I need.
3. Abundance is my way of life.
4. I always have more money than I need.
5. Everything I spend comes back to me doubled.

8 Affirmations for Self-Love

1. Beautiful things are coming into my life.
2. I am worthy of loving myself deeply.
3. Everything about me is glorious.
4. I deserve to be celebrated.
5. There are no obstacles, that I cannot overcome.
6. I choose to forgive myself for past mistakes.
7. I am worthy of a fulfilling love.
8. Every day I am thankful for all that I am.

10 Affirmations for Anxiety

1. It’s not personal.
2. I breathe in calmness.
3. Only I need to approve of myself.
4. I have the power to choose my thoughts.
5. I welcome new situations into my life.
6. What I have to say is important.
7. As I exhale, my anxiety leaves my body.
8. I am safe and protected.
9. I am not my anxiety.
10. I embody patience and accept everything as it is.

12 Affirmations for Students

1. I wake up and do my best every single day.
2. I succeed at all that I put my mind to.
3. I let go of all anxiety with coursework.
4. I am focused and calm during all my exams.
5. I deserve to be in this program.
6. I do not need to compare myself to others.
7. I trust that by doing the work I will achieve success.
8. My knowledge is my strength.
9. The grades I desire, come to me easily.
10. It’s a brand new day and I am doing great.
11. I am determined and resourceful.
12. I believe in myself and my abilities.

Positive Affirmation Cards

Affirmation cards are a great tool to provide you with support in your day to day. Along, with a framed affirmation quote on my desk, I keep a deck of affirmations handy. These affirmation cards are helpful for reminders throughout the day. I’ll share my own affirmation card deck on our shop page, very soon but in the meantime, I’d recommend positive affirmation cards on Etsy.

How Do You Practice Daily Positive Affirmations?

Daily affirmations can be practiced in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Create a consistent frequent practice to reset your thought patterns. I would recommend that you start your day with some positive affirmation statements. It’s a great habit to start your day with positivity because your brain is more alert in the morning. As you move through your day, use positive statements as needed. Then, end your night with more positivity entering your subconscious mind, as you slumber. Toy around with this affirmation practice and cement something that works for you.

Educational Content For Affirmation Practice

Affirmation Apps

Calm

This wonderful app helps lower stress and anxiety. Provides soothing sounds, guided meditation, and affirmations. Try calm for free before you make the plunge into a worthwhile subscription.

ThinkUp

Is the #1 app in the realm of affirmations. You can use this app by recording affirmations in your voice. You can then add images and inspirational music to truly make it your own. Create your own personal growth program using ThinkUp.

I Am Daily Affirmations

This app can be used as a widget to provide affirmation reminders throughout your day. You can also, practice your breathing and track your mood with this app.

Affirmation Youtube videos

Below is a positive thinking affirmation video for health, wealth, happiness, and wisdom. You can use these affirmations first thing in the morning or as your drift off to sleep.

This is one of my favorite guided affirmation videos led by Alanna Foxx. Her videos follow “I am” and can be repeated with her. When I am in need of guided support, this is where I find myself.

Use this 10-minute sleep meditation with positive affirmations to ease you into a restful slumber. I find her voice to be incredibly calming and easy to follow.

Affirmation Books

If you are new to rewiring your brain by stopping negative thinking, then I’d start with this book – Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present (The Path to Calm). It’s a good read to help start your journey of healing and can help you better understand your thought process.

Daily Affirmations For Women: 365 Days of Positive, Empowering & Inspirational Affirmations To Support Growth & Recovery is a great tool to support your affirmation journey.

If you are looking for an activity that lets you express your creativity and includes affirmations then I’d highly recommend a Mandala Affirmation Colouring Book. There are plenty of options to choose from on Etsy.

Affirmation Podcasts

Affirmation Pod led by Josie Ong Media which can be found on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Josie provides soothing affirmations and practically has an affirmation for everything.

Think Positive – Daily Affirmations led by Dachia Arritola, where she provides daily guidance through 2 affirmations. One affirmation is a question to ask yourself and the second is a quote to think about.

The power of positive affirmations is undeniable – they can help us focus on our goals, combat negative self-talk, and build resilience. Incorporating positive affirmations into your daily routine is a simple and effective way to shift your mindset, and ultimately help to build a life of choice, not chance. So the next time you’re putting yourself down, work to replace those negative thoughts with positive ones. I’ve tried my best to outline the importance of positive affirmations in shifting your mindset, and the potential they can have in our lives if we actively decide to use them.

In the words of author and healer Louise Hay, “You can choose thoughts that are loving, powerful, and inspiring. Thoughts that bring out the best in you and make the world a better place.” I hope this post gives you the inspiration and knowledge to use positive affirmations to reframe your life and reach your goals.

With an empowering attitude and the right mindset, you can create a life full of happiness and success. Why not start today?

Frequently Asked Questions

How to start an affirmation practice?

To start an affirmation practice, understand what you need right now. Read the section above on starting an affirmation practice for a clearer explanation.

Do affirmations rewire your brain?

Yes, affirmations do have the power to rewire your brain. You are replacing your negative thought patterns with positive ones by repeating positive statements.

Is it better to write or speak affirmations?

Whether you write or speak your affirmations is really up to the type of person you are. I would suggest a mix of both. I prefer to speak my affirmations but from time to time, I indulge in affirmations within the confines of my journal.

Why do affirmations fail?

This is because the affirmations being used may not be something we actually believe or are aligned within our life. Just remember to try your best, with what you have in front of your right now and use affirmations that make sense for you. Creating either your own affirmations or finding statements that truly fit your current life would be your best option for finding success.

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Did you find these daily positive affirmations to shift your mindset helpful? Let me know in the comments below!