Self affirmations are a controversial topic: some people swear by them, while others are extremely skeptical about their effectiveness.
Science, too, is in disagreement with some studies finding genuine benefits, and others showing no, or even negative, effects.
Here at A Conscious Rethink, we firmly believe that affirmations really can have a great impact on our minds, bodies, and success in life (however you wish to measure it).
Affirmations can also be used to combat stress and anxiety, helping to relieve the physical and mental symptoms in a short space of time.
Here are six designed to do just that.
I am safe, secure, and under no threat from the world around me.
This very simple statement has a calming effect because it dispels the myth we tell ourselves when we are stressed.
We become convinced that we are in danger – either physically, mentally, or emotionally – and this triggers our evolutionary stress response.
Reminding yourself that you are safe helps to subdue this process.
There is no obstacle that I cannot overcome when I put my mind to it.
Here we have another basic, but very effective, phrase that reminds us just how capable we are when life requires us to be.
It convinces us not to run from a problem, but to face it and tackle it with a limitless belief that we can find a way through anything.
Saying this to ourselves can prevent that overwhelming feeling that often comes when we are presented with a major test.
This situation is neither good nor bad, it simply is.
Trying to label any particular instance as good or bad is futile because, in reality, it is neither of these things.
Every situation has lessons to teach and just because something seems negative on the surface, there is no reason why it might not one day turn out to be a catalyst for a more positive outcome.
Although we cannot predict this – indeed it might be hard to envisage such a possibility – realizing that good can come from bad should ease your anxiety and reduce your stress.
More essential reading on anxiety (article continues below):
I choose to react positively to the situation I’m faced with.
When we encounter stress in our lives, we have a freedom to choose how to respond to it.
Reminding ourselves that a positive attitude is something we have control over means we are more likely to make a conscious effort to address the situation in a determined manner.
If, instead, we chose to react negatively, we would struggle to find a solution to any problems we face and stress would retain its hold over us.
Nothing in my past can stop me from prevailing in the present and future.
Stress and anxiety are quite often conditioned responses to a given situation; they are driven by our past experiences.
If we let it, our past will always control us, but if we recognize that there is an alternative path available, we can break free from the chains of our upbringing and bring forth a new dawn.
This mindset enhances creativity and belief, as we look beyond what’s gone before towards the infinite possibilities that present themselves daily.
As I slow my breathing and relax my body, the stress flows out of my mind.
Our bodies and minds are more intricately linked that we might imagine, so by creating a body that is free from tension, we can drive out any stress that might dwell in our minds.
Deep, slow breathing and a relaxation of our muscles is highly effective for reducing overall stress in our bodies, and a more relaxed mind should hopefully follow.
