Experience the power of affirmations with these interactive activities from PsychCentral, designed to enhance your self-esteem and build inner resilience. Below is a highlight from the article. For the full read, visit the original post.
1. Create a list of positive affirmations
If you’re not sure where to begin, try creating a list of positive affirmations that you might potentially use. Break things down into categories, such as social, emotional, intellectual, and physical. For example, your physical list of affirmations might look like this:
- I am healthy and strong.
- I exercise every day.
- I nourish my body with healthy food choices.
- I love how strong my body is.
- I choose healthy, nutritious food.
2. Make affirmation posters
Consider creating a few affirmation posters and putting them in key areas of your home or office to remind you of important self-affirming phrases.
For example, a poster in your pantry that says, “I choose food that nourishes me and makes me feel good,” may remind you of the goals you’ve set for yourself. A poster at work might say something like, “I am valuable to my team.”
3. Find or create your favorite affirmations
Remember that list of positive affirmations? You may find that some affirmations just don’t work for you.
It may be helpful to take some time to work on creating affirmations that speak to you. Try performing a Google search or brainstorming affirmation statements based on your goals. It’s okay to try out an affirmation and realize that it’s not quite right for you. Scratch it off the list, and try a different statement.
4. Say your affirmations out loud
Try starting your day by saying your affirmations out loud. Organizing your thoughts and saying them out loud trains your brain to form new thought patterns.
Practicing affirmations might feel silly at first, but keeping at it may help them feel more natural.
5. The “I am …” exercise
Not sure where to begin? This simple exercise can help you identify things that are most important to you.
Complete the sentence “I am . . .” with the first thoughts that come to your mind. Try another variation if ‘I am’ sentences don’t work for you. “Today, I will . . .” might work better to discover your goals and motivations.
6. Affirmations with mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation trains you to keep your thoughts in the present moment and can help reduce stress and enhance well-being. Try adding an affirmation to your meditation sessions.
With every out-breath, say one of your affirmations to yourself. Keep breathing deeply as you say the affirmation over and over again.
7. Sticky note reminders
Some people change their affirmations every day, week, or month. Sticky notes are an easy way to keep your affirmations visible. Consider putting one on your bathroom mirror, next to your workstation, or by the garage door so you can look at them throughout the day.
8. Journal your affirmations
A journal is an excellent place to write down and reflect on your affirmations. You may want to record how the affirmations make you feel or affect you. This coping strategy encourages positive thinking and may help you to better understand your feelings.
9. Dedicate an affirmation day
Try treating yourself with a special affirmation day. You might:
- Fill your home with sticky notes covered in affirmations.
- Make affirmation posters.
- Say your affirmations out loud throughout the day, not just first thing in the morning or at bedtime.
10. Lyric affirmations
Adults aren’t the only ones who benefit from affirmations. Consider talking to your tweens or teens about positive affirmations in their favorite songs. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams or “Roar” by Katie Perry are a couple of examples. Try paying attention to potential positive affirmations when streaming music or listening to the radio together.