Day 3: Using Affirmations to Increase your Overall Wellbeing
Affirmations - short, powerful statements designed to change our conscious and unconscious mindset - have the ability to elicit positive change. They work by challenging our negative thoughts. They can fortify our beliefs, attitudes, and emotional responses, which in turn strengthen our overall sense of wellbeing.
Consider the power of the statements you make to yourself daily. Imagine waking up and saying, "Today is going to be a great day," versus, "Not another day of this." The energy each statement brings is entirely different.
Research shows that affirmations can increase our sense of self-worth, boost optimism, and even potentially decrease stress and depressive symptoms. These cultivate a balanced state of mind, enhancing our overall wellbeing.
Practical Tips:
1. Keep it Positive: Instead of saying, "I’m not going to get nervous," try, "I will remain calm and confident." The brain typically glosses over the word 'not' giving power to what follows.
2. Make it Personal: Use language that resonates with you. If a statement feels too distant or unrealistic, it may indeed have the opposite effect.
3. Repeat Regularly: For the best results, affirmations need to be repeated frequently. It can be helpful to set a specific time during the day - early mornings or before bedtime.
4. Visualize: Connect with your affirmations. Visualize the change you want to embody, enhancing their impact.
Practice Exercise:
Create two affirmations following the tips mentioned above. Write them down, repeat them aloud during your day, and notice how you feel. Feel welcome to share how this activity went with us!
Embrace positive change and self-awareness today! Click >here< to take the PHQ-9 assessment to gauge your mental well-being.
Discussion Questions:
1. Can you share an affirmation that made you feel good today?
2. How often do you use affirmations in your daily life?
3. What positive changes do you notice when you use affirmations consistently?
7 Cups has an exciting therapy update to share this month. To celebrate, we’re doing 25 days of Gratitude, Self-Care and Personal Growth. Read more here.