If you spilled coffee on yourself on the way to work, it could put a dark cloud over the whole day. Even if you gave an awesome presentation, bumped into an old friend and caught up, and came home to a delicious home-cooked meal with your family – you might still be focusing on that coffee stain.
Sometimes it’s easier to see the negative than it is the positive, even when there is positivity all around you! But positive affirmations can reframe your thinking.
It can be an uncomfortable, awkward practice at first – but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want to stop.
Whether you say them quietly to yourself, loudly in front of a mirror, or write them on post-it notes and plaster them around as reminders, positive affirmations will help switch your mindset and have been linked to increased happiness and personal growth.
What is an affirmation?
An affirmation, also known as a positive affirmation, is a statement or phrase that is used to reinforce positive beliefs. They will help you feel empowered and can ultimately lead to positive changes in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Think of it as a quick pep talk to yourself.
Try these out!
Affirmations are typically written in the present tense and use positive language. You can use general statements or specific statements tailored to a goal. Here are some examples:
- I am worthy of love and happiness.
- Today is going to be a great day.
- I believe in my ability to achieve my goals.
- I am grateful for all the blessings in my life.
- I am confident and capable of handling any challenges that come my way.
- I deserve success and I am capable of achieving it.
- I radiate positivity and attract positive experiences into my life.
- I am ENOUGH.
- Everything will be OK.
- I am amazing!
The science behind the statements
When we repeat positive statements to ourselves, we activate the reward centers in our brains, releasing feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. This process helps us counteract negative thought patterns and self-doubt, and promotes a sense of self-worth and optimism.
This isn’t a one-and-done method. By consistently practicing positive affirmations, you can impact your mental health, self-esteem, and overall happiness!
At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, we want to provide a Blueprint for Happiness, because happiness is part of your health. Happiness leads to healthier behaviors like being active and eating nutritious food. Check out our social media channels and blog on the first Friday of every month for tips on sparking more joy and happiness in your life! 😊
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Individuals should always consult with their healthcare providers regarding medical care or treatment, as recommendations, services or resources are not a substitute for the advice or recommendation of an individual's physician or healthcare provider. Services or treatment options may not be covered under an individual's particular health plan.