Positive affirmations are powerful tools in helping your behavior more easily align with what you want to feel and have happen in your life.
What Are Positive Affirmations?
Positive affirmations are statements that you repeat to yourself, in the present tense, about a situation or feeling that you wish to influence in your life. These statements help you visualize the way you want things to be, and your brain responds by aligning your behavior more closely to those outcomes.
If you are feeling grumpy and negative, things have a way of going poorly throughout your day. If you’re feeling happy and positive, things seem to go better. Positive affirmations help you shift your mindset to a positive one so that things can go better for you.
Tips for the Best Use of Positive Affirmations
To make the most out of your use of positive affirmations, follow these tips (Ronald Alexander, 2011):
- Choose one or a few affirmations that reflect a feeling, outcome, or change you wish to experience.
- Repeat the affirmation(s) to yourself several times a day, a few times each session. Repetition helps create a more concrete idea in your mind.
- Breathe deeply a few times or do some deep breathing exercises to clear your mind before doing your positive affirmations.
- You can also repeat your affirmation(s) to yourself at times when your mind is already relaxed, such as upon first waking up or while you’re falling asleep.
Positive Affirmations for Life’s Situations
Here are some of the affirmations that we think are great for keeping a general positive outlook during some of life’s regular situations:
When you are at work:
- My work is fulfilling to me, and I enjoy it.
- I am good at my job, and my superiors recognize my hard work.
- My work makes a difference.
- I have many talents that are all put to good use at work.
- I feel happy as I work hard and succeed.
When you are lonely:
- I love myself, and I’m happy in my own company.
- I feel the love of those friends who are not physically with me right now.
- I find fulfillment in listening to my own voice when it’s quiet.
When you are worried about a decision you need to make:
- I trust myself and my judgment.
- I make good decisions for myself and the world.
- As I breathe, calmness enters my body, and nervousness exits.
- I receive others’ input, but I make the final decision with my own wisdom.
- This situation will work out for the best for all involved.
When you are angry:
- I am calmer with every breath I take; this allows me to see things more clearly.
- I react to all situations with compassion and understanding.
- I free myself from being angry with others; I always replace anger with love.
- I always work to see the other person’s side of all interactions.
When you are facing a problem:
- I am safe and well.
- Things always work out for good.
- I can clearly see a solution for this problem.
- Problems are opportunities for personal growth.
- I embrace the chance to handle this situation well, and I move through all challenges with grace.
- The answer to this issue is within me, and I will see it clearly.
When you are experiencing grief:
- I love and am patient with myself.
- I honor all of my feelings.
- I am able to care for myself and rest when I need to.
- I embrace all the feelings that surround me during this time.
- Love is eternal, and it grows stronger as I move through this.
When you are feeling overwhelmed:
- I have all of the tools necessary to accomplish today’s goals.
- All is well with me today.
- I am able to see what needs to be handled first and move through the rest after that.
- I am capable, strong, and wise.
- I have enough energy and wisdom to accomplish this.
When you are preparing for a good day:
- I am grateful to have this day.
- I choose to be calm and happy as this day unfolds.
- I am open to the positive things today will bring me.
- My life is fun and good.
- I am a kind, good person, and people love having me around.
- I am happy to experience today’s gifts.
- I am happy.
For more affirmations for specific situations, see the following articles:
“Positive Affirmations for Weight Loss“
“Positive Affirmations for Social Anxiety“
“Positive Affirmations for Romantic Relationships“
“Positive Affirmations for Health and Healing“
“Positive Affirmations to Use When You’re Giving up Smoking“
“Positive Affirmations for Stress Reduction“
“Affirmations for Ending Alcohol Abuse“
“Positive Affirmations for Exercising“
You can also learn to write affirmations to more closely suit your individual needs: “How to Write Your Own Positive Affirmations.”
Works Cited
- Ronald Alexander, P. (2011, Aug. 5). 5 Steps to Make Affirmations Work for You. Retrieved from Psychology Today.