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THE POWER OF POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS
With a little bit of positive thinking, you can change your mindset and have a sunnier outlook.
Imagine that it’s midweek and your to-do list seems like it will never end Instead of making plans for the weekend, you can only think about how you’ll never get everything done Don’t let negative thoughts ruin your week Instead, turn your attitude around with positive affirmations
What are positive affirmations?
“Positive affirmations are short, empowering statements we repeat to ourselves to overcome negative thoughts and attitudes,” says Lynne Ann Gallagher, outpatient pediatric therapist at Geisinger Health Plan This form of self-talk can help reframe your mentality, recognize your strengths and even boost your confidence When you start believing in the words, they can inspire you to make meaningful changes or work toward an achievement
Harnessing the power of positivity
Getting started is simple. And it only takes a few minutes. “Think about something you’d like to achieve,” Ms. Gallagher says. “It could be landing a job, reaching a specific goal or changing a behavior.”
After you ’ ve focused on a target, make a short list of positive statements related to that change.
Consider using “I” or “ me ” statements to make them more personal And focus on messages that are motivating and empowering Examples of powerful affirmations include:
I can do anything I put my mind to
I am strong/beautiful/capable
Today I will have a good day
Each day brings me closer to my goals
I will achieve my goal
After you ’ ve built your list of statements, it’s time to put them into action Plan a designated time to say your affirmations That could be when you wake up, before bed or at the end of your workday Take a few minutes to breathe and state your affirmations out loud Repeat them a few times to help you focus “The more a statement is said or heard, the truer it becomes,” says Ms Gallagher.
And if you’d rather not speak them out loud, consider writing them down. Display them in a spot you use regularly, like on your mirror or in your home office. To take things further, try to visualize what your goal looks like. That visualization can keep the goal at the front of your mind.
The benefits of positive self-talk
Encouraging self-talk shapes your beliefs and thoughts And a little positivity goes a long way Just a few short daily affirmations can do more than you think
