Positive affirmations, the practice of positive-thinking and self-empowerment have gained popularity in recent years. It is believed that reciting affirmative statements regularly can improve one’s mood, mental health, outlook on life and overall mental well-being.
Influencers and psychology professionals through social media and various other platforms promote the practice of positive affirmations for strengthening mental health. Writing down self empowering and positive statements like "I am worthy," "I am capable," or "I am loved,", on sticky notes and sticking them on the walls of the room is one of the popular ways to decorate your room and feel good about yourself. Many therapists and mental health counsellors tell their clients to write down affirmations in a diary on a daily basis. But, do these affirmations really work? Do they actually aid your mental health? Or is it just a trend being followed on social media?
According to research on the self-affirmation theory, there is MRI evidence that suggests that certain neural pathways are increased when people practise self-affirmation tasks, such as repeating positive affirmations daily.
To understand whether following positive affirmations is just an Instagram trend carried out by influencers or does it actually help in bettering your mental health, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Savneet Kaur Bhasin, Mental Health Therapist, Mumbai.
As per Dr Bhasin, Positive affirmations are encouraging statements we say to ourselves to feel better and more confident. “They're like little boosts of encouragement that focus on our strengths and goals. Personally, positive affirmations have been like little pick-me-ups during tough times, reminding me to stay positive and believe in myself,” she said.
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Can Affirmations Aid Your Mental Health For Real?
When asked if affirmations can aid mental health, Dr Bhasin said, “Absolutely! Positive affirmations can have a big impact on mental health. When we repeat these positive statements, they help train our minds to think in a more positive way. This can reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and improve overall well-being.” Speaking about her own experience, she said, “From my own experience, practising positive affirmations has helped me feel more optimistic and resilient, especially during challenging times.”
But you would wonder how these affirmations work? I had a similar question to which Dr Bhasin said, “Positive affirmations work by rewiring our brains. When we consistently repeat affirmations, they gradually replace negative thoughts with positive ones. This creates a more positive mindset and boosts self-confidence.” Adding further she said, “For me, using affirmations has been like giving my mind a makeover—changing negative self-talk into empowering beliefs, which has made a big difference in how I approach life.”
List Of Positive Affirmations One Must Follow
Dr Bhasin listed down a few positive affirmations that an individual can regularly recite to better their mental health and feel good about themselves.
"I believe in myself and my dreams."
"I choose to focus on the good in every situation."
"I deserve happiness and success."
"I am grateful for all the blessings in my life."
"I am surrounded by love and support."
"I trust myself to make the right choices."
"I am proud of who I am becoming."
"I am capable of overcoming challenges and growing stronger."
Conclusion
Regularly affirming the above mentioned positive statements can boost an individual’s confidence, help them love themselves and can also help them overcome their mental health problems. Our human mind is incredibly powerful, and the thoughts we repeatedly tell ourselves can significantly impact our emotions and behaviour. Positive affirmations can be a valuable tool you can add in your anti-anxiety tool kit and repeat them daily for your mental well-being. Affirmations can help you reshape your thought patterns, challenge negative beliefs and cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. We advise you to connect with your healthcare provider or therapist if you have any mental health issues.)