It’s so natural to have negative thoughts about high-stress level scenarios– it’s a part of being human we most dislike. For some of us, it happens more frequently than for others. When thinking like this becomes normal, our mood, confidence, and outlook can become negative too. And that can have repercussions. Enter, “Affirmations”, it sounds like an internet buzzword, or worse, a new trend but turns out, they’re on to something. So we’re here to tell you what Affirmations mean, and how you can practise positive thoughts and hope for everything to get better than before, even magically, if possible.

Often, by talking ourselves into thinking so and so will happen, we start to believe we are not good enough. Which then has a massive impact on our daily routines, personal lives, relationships, and careers. But how about doing the complete opposite? We use positive thoughts about ourselves, and the effect will be just as powerful but way more helpful.

These positive thoughts are called affirmations. They are positive assertions that overpower negative thoughts. If you repeat it enough and believe in it, you will start making (good) significant changes.
You could consider affirmations unrealistic and impractical but try looking at positive affirmations this way: many of us do the same workouts to enhance our physical health, and affirmations are like exercises for our minds and outlooks. These constructive mental repetitions will reprogram our thought habits such that, over time, we can continue to think – and behave – differently.

Here’s how to make them work for you–

Step 1: Collect any and all criticism you’ve ever received and thought of yourself. Look for a common theme between all of them, and this will be the best place to start to make a positive shift in your life. Ask yourself if this pernicious idea is beneficial or productive in your life—if not, what would you replace it with?

Step 2: Note down an affirmation on the positive aspect of your self-judgment. Quick tip, use a thesaurus to find more potent, more powerful words to add more weight to your statement. For example, instead of “I’m worthy,” you could say, “I’m remarkable and appreciated.” After you’ve written your affirmation, ask a close friend to read it and see if they have any ideas about making it better.

Step 3: Say out loud the affirmation for about five minutes three times a day, morning, noon, and evening. The best time to do this is to look at yourself in the mirror while you reiterate the positive statement when you’re doing your makeup or shaving. Another alternative that helps to strengthen the new perception, which will be easy to do at work, is to write down the affirmation many times in a notebook.

Step 4: Get someone else to repeat your affirmation to you. If you don’t have someone you feel comfortable asking, use your mirror reflection as a person who reinforces the healthy message to you.

After all, what’s the harm in hoping for good anyway?