Affirmations what they are and how we can use them

I often get asked what is an Affirmation? Why do we use them? When do I use them?

Affirmations are short phrases you can repeat to change the way you think and feel about yourself. When repeated regularly, they can change negative thoughts and behaviour patterns, however repeatedly telling yourself how great you are won’t help you if deep down you don’t believe what you’re saying. It’s important to keep that in mind before you start yelling out affirmations every morning.

Affirmations are intended to help shift thinking from negative to positive, motivate an action, reduce stress, persevere through difficult times, and increase self-confidence and well-being.

My top tips and first first steps in starting an affirmation practice is to pick an affirmation. You can use a phrase you’ve heard that really resonates with you, or you can also come up with your own affirmation that will serve your purpose. 

• Decide on a purpose. Think about what you’d like to get from the affirmation. Do you want it to reassure you of something? Motivate you to accomplish a goal? Or boost your confidence?
• Keep it short. Find an affirmation that’s about three to seven words.  You want it to be quick, easy, and short enough that it can be repeated over and over.
• Keep it authentic. An affirmation needs a level of authenticity in order to be used effectively. It should be something you believe is true, even if you may not feel that truth all the time.

Decide How and When to Use It

Affirmations can be said in your head or out loud. Sometimes it depends on when you want to use them. If you’re at home in your bathroom, you can stand in front of the mirror and say an affirmation out loud. If you’re in a public setting, say on a bus, you’ll probably want to say it in your head.

When you choose to practice really depends on why you’re using the affirmation. If you want to get your day off to a positive start practice them in the morning. To help you relax and regulate your nervous system after a long day, say them in the evening.

Keep Using It

Once you’ve decided on your affirmation/s and a time that suits your schedule, try to make a regular habit of it. For example, if you decide it’s going to be for the morning, make it part of your morning routine. Repeat it as many times as you need. Practicing affirmations regularly is key to their effectiveness, especially if you’re trying to change thinking patterns or behaviours.

To help you stick with the practice you can write your affirmation(s) on notecards and place them around your home; keep them in your phone's Notes app so they’re accessible; and even set a reminder to repeat or reread your affirmations at the same time each day.

Affirmations for Confidence – CRYSTAL: Sunstone or Amazonite

• I make a difference in the world.
• I appreciate all that I am.
• I deserve to be happy.

Affirmations for Self-Care – Rose Quartz or Green Jade

• I am brave and strong.
• I can do hard things.
• I deserve love and respect.

Affirmations for Healthy Relationships – Aquamarine or Sodalite

• I am worthy of love.
• I’m thankful I am able to give and receive love.
• I’m ready to receive love in abundance.

Affirmations for the Morning – Sunstone or Red Jasper

• I am going to have a great day.
• I see the world in a loving way.
• Today I live life as my best self.

Affirmations for Sleep – Amethyst or Lepidolite

• I choose calmness and rest for my mind and body.
• I am at peace.
• Tomorrow is going to be a great day.

Have fun and remember there is no right or wrong way just stepping forward is a start to your healing journey.