Affirmations are more than just feel-good phrases—they’re powerful tools for transforming your mindset, boosting self-esteem, and even improving health. The practice of affirming positive beliefs dates back thousands of years, rooted in spiritual traditions and self-improvement strategies. Today, affirmations have evolved into a widely accepted therapy for mental, emotional, and physical well-being, used by everyone from top athletes to everyday people seeking personal growth.
Where Did Affirmations Begin?
Affirmations have ancient roots in religious and spiritual practices. The earliest known use of positive affirmations can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where mantras were spoken to align one’s mind and body with the gods. In modern times, affirmations became popular as part of psychological therapies, particularly in the 1920s when French psychologist Émile Coué introduced a method of repeating positive statements to alter mental and physical health.
Coué’s famous affirmation, “Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better,” was an early example of affirmations used as a form of self-therapy. His work opened the door for affirmations to be recognized as a therapeutic tool in the modern world, influencing self-help movements and cognitive therapies, which are now widely used to manage stress, anxiety, and even chronic illness.
Who Uses Affirmations and When?
From business leaders to therapists, affirmations have found their place in many aspects of life. Athletes use them to maintain focus before competitions, therapists incorporate them into cognitive behavioural therapy to shift negative thinking patterns, and spiritual teachers recommend affirmations as a way to manifest desires and heal emotional wounds. The beauty of affirmations lies in their accessibility—they can be used by anyone, anytime, anywhere.
You might turn to affirmations during times of stress, self-doubt, or low energy. They’re particularly effective in moments when you feel stuck or need to break free from negative thought patterns. Daily repetition helps reinforce positive beliefs, making them a habit that can uplift your mind and body over time.
How Affirmations Can Make You Feel
The moment you begin using affirmations, you might not feel an immediate transformation, but gradually, a shift occurs. You start noticing that the positive words you repeat—like “I am strong,” or “I deserve success”—start becoming your truth. As they become a part of your daily routine, they can foster feelings of empowerment, calm, and self-worth. These changes aren’t just mental; they can manifest physically too. Positive affirmations have been linked to lowering stress, improving focus, and even boosting immune function.
Do Affirmations Improve Mental and Physical Health?
Yes, they do! Research shows that affirmations can reshape the brain’s neural pathways, effectively “rewiring” how we think and feel. This process is called neuroplasticity, and it’s how affirmations can slowly but surely turn negative self-talk into positive habits. On a mental level, affirmations can reduce anxiety, increase self-confidence, and combat depression. Physically, the benefits of lower stress levels ripple out, improving cardiovascular health, digestion, and immune responses.
How to Get Started with Affirmations
The good news is that starting an affirmation practice is simple. All you need is a few minutes each day to repeat positive statements, either silently or aloud. If you’re looking to delve deeper into the practice, spiritual guides, mindfulness coaches, or cognitive behavioural therapists can help you refine your affirmations to make them more impactful. The goal is to align your thoughts with the reality you wish to create, helping you unlock a higher version of yourself.
Affirmations are not a cure-all, but they are a powerful tool in the wellness toolbox. Whether you use them as a form of self-therapy, or alongside other treatments, affirmations can help you live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Here are five affirmations to kick off Nomadify’s daily affirmation series on Social Media:
- “I am in harmony with my mind, body, and spirit, welcoming balance and peace into my day.”
- “Every challenge I face is an opportunity for growth, and I embrace it with strength and grace.”
- “I am worthy of love, success, and happiness, and I attract positivity into my life.”
- “I trust in the process of life, knowing that everything is unfolding for my highest good.”
- “With each breath, I release stress and invite calm, clarity, and confidence.”
These affirmations will resonate with Nomadify’s focus on health, well-being, and mindfulness.
Love Life x
References:
- Sood, A., & Prasad, K. (2010). “Stress Management and Resilience Training (SMART) Program.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 85(10).
- Creswell, J. D., et al. (2005). “Affirmation and the Brain: Implications for Health and Well-being.” Psychological Science, 16(5), 346-350.
- Coué, É. (1922). Self Mastery Through Conscious Autosuggestion.