This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On a typical morning, many of us rush to get ready for the day, often feeling anxious or stressed. But what if we told you that there's a simple yet powerful tool that can help you overcome these feelings and build your confidence? Enter affirmations – positive statements that can motivate and inspire us, helping to ease the effects of stress and anxiety.
Published in 2019, research has shown that affirmations can have a significant impact on our mental well-being. A study published in the journal of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people in low positions of power may perform better by using self-affirmations to calm their nerves.
But how do affirmations work? By repeating positive statements to ourselves, we create mental images that can motivate and inspire us. This conscious shift in focus to things which are positive can help to override the negative, making affirmations a valuable tool for recovering pessimists like ourselves.
So, how can you start using affirmations to boost your confidence and overcome anxiety? The key is to create short sentences with few words, using 'I' statements that are meaningful to who you are as a person and fit your goals. Tailor your affirmations to suit your needs, whether it's self-esteem boosting, work-related, or relationship and family oriented.
While affirmations can be used at any time, research suggests that they work best when we're in a calm and focused state, such as during meditation. So, take a few minutes each day to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and repeat your affirmations to yourself. You might be surprised at the positive impact it can have on your mental well-being.
