Hey there, Sweet Souls!
Step into the realm of self-discovery and empowerment as we explore the uplifting power of positive affirmations for confidence. In this blog, we'll explore the simple yet profound practice of affirming one's worth and embracing the radiance within.
The beauty of positive affirmations lies in their simplicity and accessibility. They can be written down in a journal, spoken aloud, or even silently repeated in one's mind. When practised consistently, positive affirmations can create a shift in self-perception, helping you create a more confident and radiant presence.
Learning and practising positive affirmations can serve as a powerful tool to nurture self-confidence and embrace one's unique beauty inside out. At EMS, we believe that positive affirmations are the key to a healthy and positive mind. We have therefore provided practical steps and guidance to help you incorporate positive affirmations into your daily rituals and witness the transformative power they hold.
The science behind Affirmations:
Several empirical studies have been done on exploring the effect of positive affirmations on the subconscious mind. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated that frequent self-affirmations cause physical alterations in brain areas related to self-processing, which in turn affects how people see themselves. These changes are associated with subsequent positive changes in people’s behaviour. Additionally, Psychologists from Cornell and UC Santa Barbara have reported that self-affirmations help us feel more significant and happier about ourselves; in other words, self-affirmations make us feel bigger and challenges and threats feel smaller as a consequence. A study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience used MRI to reveal that practising self-affirmation activates the reward centres in your brain. Simply say to yourself “I will earn that promotion” and it’ll light up the same reward centres that respond to other pleasurable experiences, such as eating great food. or winning a prize. It fires up your neural pathways and makes changes to those areas of the brain that makes you happy and positive. Engaging in positive affirmations can contribute to rewiring neural pathways associated with self-perception and confidence. (References for these studies are mentioned at the end of the blog.)
Benefits of Positive affirmations
Create a Positive Mindset: Your mindset plays a crucial role in how you perceive and experience the world. Practising affirmations will help you foster a positive mindset as affirmations allow you to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with optimistic and encouraging messages.
Cultivate Self-Confidence: Affirmations have the incredible power to boost self-confidence and reinforce a positive self-image. By regularly affirming your strengths, capabilities, and worthiness, you can strengthen your belief in yourself and your abilities.
Manifest Desired Outcomes: When you consistently affirm positive outcomes, you send a message to the universe that your thoughts are aligned with your desires. The law of attraction suggests that by affirming what you want to manifest, you become more attuned to the opportunities and possibilities that align with your aspirations.
Overcome Obstacles: Life is filled with challenges, both big and small. By affirming your ability to overcome difficulties, you foster a resilient mindset, harnessing the power to persevere in the face of adversity.
How to Use Affirmations: Here are our tips on how you can effectively use positive affirmations
Choose empowering affirmations: Select affirmations that resonate with you and align with your goals. These affirmations should be positive, in the present tense, and reflect what you want to believe or achieve. For example, instead of saying "I am not stressed," frame it as "I am calm and composed in every situation." Ensure your affirmations are realistic, credible, and relevant to your life.
Create a routine: Establish a daily routine for practising your affirmations. Set aside a specific time and place where you can focus and be free from distractions. It could be in the morning upon waking up, during a meditation session, or before going to bed.
Believe and visualise: When stating your affirmations, truly believe in the words you are speaking. Allow yourself to visualise and feel the reality of your affirmations. Visualising already having achieved your goals or embodying the qualities you desire can enhance the effectiveness of your affirmations.
Use positive language: Ensure your affirmations are formulated using positive language. Phrase them in a way that focuses on what you want to attract, rather than what you want to avoid or eliminate. Speak in affirmative terms like "I am," "I have," or "I attract." By doing so, you are programming your subconscious mind with positive beliefs and reinforcing the desired outcomes.
Repetition is key: Repeat your affirmations multiple times during each session. The more you repeat your affirmations, the more they will impact your thought patterns and actions. Consider writing them down and displaying them in prominent places like your mirror, computer screen, or wallet as visual reminders.
Adapt and evolve: As you progress on your personal growth journey, review and adapt your affirmations accordingly. As your goals change or evolve, update your affirmations to reflect your new aspirations. Regularly assess whether your affirmations still resonate with you and align with your current mindset and desires. Embrace the power of affirmation and unlock your true potential!
Below are examples of affirmations you can choose from and practise. You can create your own affirmations based on what you would like to achieve, write them in cards and repeat them everyday.
1. Confidence and Self-Esteem:
- "I am confident in my abilities and believe in myself."
- "I am worthy of love, respect, and all good things in life."
2. Career and Success:
- "I am a capable and skilled professional, and I excel in my work."
- "I am attracting opportunities that align with my passion and purpose."
3. Health and Well-Being:
- "My body is strong, and my mind is clear."
- "I nourish my body with healthy choices and respect."
4. Relationships:
- "I am surrounded by positive and supportive people."
- "I attract loving and harmonious relationships into my life."
5. Abundance and Prosperity:
- "I am open to receiving abundance in all areas of my life."
- "I am a magnet for financial success and opportunities."
6. Stress and Calmness:
- "I release tension and embrace tranquility."
- "I choose peace over worry, and I trust the process of life."
You can also get the Everyday Affirmation Cards available on our website. They are a deck of 40 cards offering a variety of affirmations on various themes of general wellbeing, relationships, self confidence, health, and more.
Remember, confidence is not an elusive trait but a skill that can be cultivated with practice. So let us embark on this journey together and begin each day with positive affirmations, embracing their transformative power, and witness the magic they bring to your life!
Looking for more uplifting and mindful recommendations? Take a look at the below Self Care Journals and Cards Collection here.
- Mind Notes Daily Wellbeing Journal.
- LSW Mind Cards
- 30 Days of Gratitude Notebook
- Seize the Day Planner
- Habit Notes
- Mind Cards for New Mums
- Mind Cards for Kids
References: https://drdavidhamilton.com/the-science-of-affirmations/
https://www.thirdspace.london/this-space/2021/02/the-science-behind-positive-affirmations/#:~:text=It%20fires%20up%20your%20neural,vegetables%20and%20achieve%20more%20academically.
Note: We recommend you to use your own discretion & suitability before going ahead with practising Affirmations. These are general wellbeing recommendations and not medical advice.