What are Affirmations?
Affirmations are positive, short and powerful expressions that can help us to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. When you repeat them often, and truly believe in them, you can start to make positive changes to your life.
Many people consider affirmations to be unrealistic or "wishful thinking." But try looking at positive affirmations from a different perspective: many of us do repetitive exercises to improve our physical health, and affirmations are like exercises for our mind and outlook. These positive mental repetitions can reprogram our thinking patterns so that, over time, we begin to think – and act – differently.
Research shows that there are between 45,000 and 51,000 different thoughts that cross our minds in one day. That’s 150 to 300 thoughts per minute. And unfortunately for many, 80 percent of these thoughts are negative. It is possible to reverse this negative aura by affirmation.
What are the benefits of affirmations?
They motivate.
They keep the mind focused on the goal.
They influence the subconscious mind and activate their powers.
They change the way you think and behave, and this can bring you into contact with new people, who can help you with your goals.
Positive statements make you feel positive, energetic and active, and therefore, put you in a better position to transform your inner and external worlds.
How should I use affirmations?
Consistency is key as it is with most positive thinking methods; you need to repeat them day in, day out, so having a real structure and a daily routine will help. Here is a standard routine for you to try, you can adapt it as needed, but it is a great place to start.
Say your affirmations 2x a day - at least.
Start in the morning, as soon as you wake up. This ensures you have a positive start to the day — make sure that the first things you start thinking about are your goals and ambitions, and of course, that you are thinking positive thoughts!
Say your second set just before going to bed. This ensures that you have positive thoughts in your mind as you go to sleep, you are thinking about your goals and these will seep into your subconscious mind and solidify as you sleep.
Say them multiple times. It is up to you, but you could try either 5-minute sessions, or alternatively, saying your whole set of affirmations 10x each, in a slow, confident voice.
