What are positive affirmations and how can I use them?

Positive affirmations are positive phrases that we can repeat to ourselves to help boost our self-esteem. You might think that saying uplifting words to ourselves is a bit weird- we often find it much easier and less awkward to criticise ourselves! However, getting into the habit of repeating positive, encouraging phrases can be a helpful way of feeling and thinking more positively about ourselves and our futures. 

Let’s say you’ve had a science test and found it really difficult, you perhaps feel like you’ve failed. In situations like this our thoughts are often automatically negative. We believe things such as  “I’m not good enough” or “I’m stupid”, making us feel pretty down about ourselves.  

Positive affirmations are designed to challenge these negative thoughts. If we regularly practice repeating positive statements such as “I am enough” or “I am not my mistakes”, it becomes easier to actually believe them as true.

Difficult situations are a part of life and can’t be magically fixed, BUT positive affirmations like saying “this moment will pass” can reframe these situations. If we use positive affirmations often, they help us train our minds towards less negative thoughts.  

You might be asking, what does this actually look like in my day-to-day life? 

Well, why not try writing out a positive affirmation on a post-it note, or make and decorate a positive postcard- put it somewhere you can see it, like a mirror or on your bedside table.

You might want to choose a regular time to practise your affirmations- try saying them aloud in the shower or as you brush your teeth!  

Whilst it is so helpful to be positive, sometimes when we are experiencing really negative emotions it can be difficult to believe positive stuff like “I can do anything” or “I am amazing”. In these situations, remember that it is okay to feel down. Try focusing on neutral and future-focused statements like “I am working on accepting myself as I am”, “It is okay not to know everything” or “If I fall, I will get back up again”.

Different affirmations work differently for each of us- pick ones that you like or even write your own affirmations to challenge the specific things that you find tough. Try using the examples mentioned here to get you started (highlighted in pink!) or use google for loads of ideas of positive affirmations to help challenge your negative thoughts!