Have you ever noticed how your inner dialogue influences your mood and self-image? Everyone knows negative self-talk, but luckily it works the other way too!

Affirmations are positive beliefs that allow us to sustainably restructure our thought patterns. As a result, we shape our self-image more positively, which in turn has a direct impact on our decisions and actions.

Especially in the long term, how you speak to yourself makes a big difference, as your words directly influence how you perceive yourself. Affirmations are short, concise and very specific. They will be the best repeated regularly, often several times a day, to continuously condition the subconscious. An example is the affirmation: “I am confident and strong.” This is how you form a positive thought pattern!

Affirmations are focused on the here and now. By working with affirmations, you support values ​​within yourself that will help you grow in the long term.

How do affirmations work? The power of autosuggestion

Affirmations are the interpretation of mantras (in Sanskrit) that have been practiced for thousands of years in Hinduism and Buddhism to strengthen the mind. Mantras and affirmations can be used for meditation, but also in everyday life. The sound, vibration and repetition of words internalize their meaning. The effect of affirmations goes much deeper and also influences us on a neurological level. 

Émile Coué explored the concept of autosuggestion back in the 20thcentury. It refers to consciously influencing the subconscious through repeated self-influence - such as through positive beliefs. Affirmations are a tool of auto-suggestion.

Fortunately, our brains have the ability to change through learning. It builds new neural connections with each new experience. So repeated positive beliefs influence our mindset, which has a direct impact on our decisions. In addition, using affirmations even releases hormones such as serotonin and dopamine - so, convinced? 

Find the right affirmation for you  

Choose affirmations that suit you and feel good. It is important that the sentences are clear and precise and do not create a feeling of pressure. They shouldn't feel uncomfortable or "too much" when you say them.  For example, if your affirmation is "I love myself" but you don't feel any connection to this affirmation yet, it makes sense to adjust the affirmation.

Émile Coué recommends two affirmations that work for many people:  “Every day, in every way, I am feeling better and better about myself.” and “Every day in every way I am getting better and better.” These affirmations are great for getting started!

Integrating affirmations into everyday life

Train your mindset by integrating positive beliefs into your everyday life. Negative thought patterns are gradually replaced by positive ones. Of course, this doesn't work overnight, but once you start thinking about how you talk to yourself, you will notice negative thought patterns and you can work on specifically "overwriting" them with positive beliefs.

Yoga teacher and content creator Tanith also had this experience, as she recently revealed to us in an interview. She has been incorporating affirmations into her journaling routine for years. On her Instagram channel @by.tanith, she repeatedly emphasizes that self-doubt is completely normal, but that it makes a big difference to reflect on beliefs and recognize when you are stuck in a negative thought spiral. Curious? Read our conversation with Tanith here !

Of course it would be perfect to work with affirmations every day, but you shouldn't put yourself under pressure. Maybe, like Tanith, you can start journaling your thoughts regularly. This will make you more mindful of your own thoughts. 

The following questions can help you with self-reflection: 

• What emotions am I feeling right now?
• What would make me feel safe right now? 
• How do I want to feel every day?
• Which negative belief can I now transform into a positive one?

Reflecting on thought patterns is not always easy and sometimes you recognize structures that are deeply anchored in your subconscious. At the same time, you are working on your goals and visions and on the next, stronger version of yourself that shines from within! 

The key: Make positive affirmations visible

Use it as a screensaver on your smartphone, write it in your planner or on your bathroom mirror so that you see it first thing in the morning and can say it out loud to yourself. An object that you associate with an affirmation, such as a piece of jewelry that you always carry with you, can also be helpful. This is your reminder to repeat your affirmation whenever you see or touch it. A mala bracelet is particularly good for this, as it allows you to reinforce your affirmation bead by bead, no matter where you are. 

Three tips for long-term success with affirmations

1. Incorporate affirmations into routines that are easy for you to maintain

Affirmations should feel good! Integrate affirmations where they feel easy in your routine: when making coffee, while exercising or in the morning when you're standing in front of the mirror anyway. 

2. Stay flexible 

 Adjust your affirmation if it no longer feels right, or if you notice that you have outgrown the belief - that is the goal, after all. :-) 

3. Celebrate small successes

Do you feel that something has changed, that those around you perceive you differently or that you feel comfortable speaking particularly positively about yourself? Wonderful! Write down how that feels and use it as a motivational boost! 

We're excited to hear how you use affirmations for yourself. Write to us if you have any questions or check out other people in our Spirit of Eden Family for inspiration. 🤍