Affirmations That Actually Work (and How to Use Them)

If you have ever stood in front of the mirror and said "I am magnificent" to yourself, you will know it can feel a bit daft. That does not mean affirmations do not work. It usually means the words were not quite right for you yet.

An affirmation is simply a short sentence you repeat to steer your thoughts in a kinder direction. The trick is choosing words you can actually believe, then saying them often enough that they start to feel true.

Choose believable, not big

If "I love my body" feels like a lie today, try "I am learning to be kind to my body." If "I am confident" feels far away, try "I can do hard things, one step at a time." A small sentence you believe beats a grand one you argue with.

Keep it in the present

"I will be happy" pushes the good stuff into the future. "I am allowed to feel good today" brings it here. Present tense, simple words, one idea at a time.

Pair it with something you already do

Habits stick when they piggyback on other habits. Say your affirmation while the kettle boils, when you brush your teeth, or as you lock the front door. Write it on a sticky note on the mirror. Make it your phone lock screen.

You do not have to believe it fully yet. You just have to be willing to.

Ten to start with

Here are some of our favourites. Pick one that makes you breathe out a little.

I am allowed to start again, as many times as I need.

Good things are on their way to me.

I can hold space for the hard days and still look forward to the good ones.

I am doing better than I think I am.

My kindness is a strength.

I let go of what I cannot control and float on what I can.