THE POWER OF AFFIRMATIONS

Affirmations are a bit of a buzzword these days, but for good reason. Choosing intentional phrases to focus on is a simple, high-value addition to any mindfulness practice. Research in neuroscience has proven that when it comes to our wellbeing, our thoughts and beliefs matter. How we speak to ourselves matters. Enter affirmations: words of positive influence that resonate with us on a deep level. Girl, if you’re not using affirmations, what are you waiting for?

How Affirmations Work
The science of neuroplasticity - our capacity to adapt our thoughts and shift our perspectives on our circumstances - sheds light on how and why affirmations work. Turns out, our brains can sometimes get confused around the difference between imagination and reality. 

Imagine you’re doing something scary like a presentation for a group of executives, or scaling the edge of a treacherous mountain range. You already feel the anxiety of those imaginary situations, even though you haven’t experienced them! That’s because you’ve activated the same part of the brain that comes alive when you’re actually doing those things.

This is great news when it comes to affirmations. Repeating affirming statements also activates the area in the brain that makes a thought feel like reality. When we’re feeling sad, stressed, or afraid, affirmations can sweep in and change our freaking reality.

Using affirmations effectively
At the start of a new year, many of us are ready and willing for change. To welcome ease and joy into 2021, affirmations can be a valuable part of your approach. Here are a few affirmation tips to get the most out of your practice:

Create your own
Not only is it more fun to get creative, but it’s more beneficial to identify affirming words that resonate than to use a generic affirmation that doesn’t. If you’re completely new to the idea of affirming words, gathering examples is a great place to start. “I can remain calm even when I feel upset,” or “I am grateful for the person I’m becoming,” can serve as your jumping off point. Think about the values you hold dear and let those guide your choice of affirming words. If you value honesty, perhaps “I hold truth and integrity in my words and actions.” The sky's the limit - any phrase with meaning can become your affirmation.

Make it a habit 
Carving out a specific time every day to use affirmations helps it become habitual. Replacing stressful or unkind thoughts will take time, but remember, repetition will help you find peace and ease more quickly. You could write your affirmations with your daily journal entry, say them to yourself in the shower while getting ready, or cycle through them mentally while exercising or taking a walk. Just choose a time when you know you’ll have the mental capacity to focus on the words and absorb their meaning.


Use them daily
Incorporating affirmations into your daily mindfulness practice is the best way to create new neural pathways in the brain. Essentially, you’re retraining your brain to drop old, paralyzing thoughts for new, inspiring thoughts. The consistency of a daily practice makes it easier for your brain to create stronger thought loops around the new beliefs you’ve consciously chosen. So much better than running on autopilot or letting that inner critic stay in control.

Some of my favorite affirmations: 
I trust the universe to create what is in my heart and mind.
I am open to creative inspiration. 
I know my own mind and am not influenced by others’ opinions of me.
I am divinely guided and destined for great things.