Us mums have thousands of things going on at the same time and little space for our own needs. One effective way to work on our mindset and stay focused throughout the day, even when there are distractions and chaos around us, is to repeat affirmations.

According to the dictionary, an affirmation is the assertion of the existence or truth of something; that is, a statement that confirms that something is a reality – even if it’s only a desire and not yet true. Affirmations are positive statements that are used to defy and replace unhelpful thoughts. If done consistently, they can create long-term changes in our mindset and emotions.

Affirmations can help us reprogram the subconscious mind and create the reality we want. Science says that what we believe about ourselves can have a significant impact on the outcome of events.[1] Depending on how we feel, we adopt or reinforce better or worse behaviours that lead to different results. The more we repeat something, the more our minds will consolidate conducts and habits, and follow patterns that increase the chances of it happening – and it can go both ways. When we repeat (out loud or mentally) a negative statement such as “I’ll never get where I want to be”, “I’m not capable of doing X, Y and Z…“, “I can’t change this about myself“, we increase the chances of those beliefs becoming self-fulfilling prophecies.

By telling ourselves positive phrases and affirmations we see ourselves as flexible beings, able to change and to adopt different roles. We can define the meaning of success in different ways. The affirmations we choose to repeat are in line with our personal values, so we act accordingly.

Positive affirmations inspire and motivate us, encourage an optimistic mindset, make us more resilient in the face of difficulties and help us eliminate limiting beliefs, helping us to create positive change our lives. Psychological studies support the value of repeating these emotionally charged phrases: “Positive affirmations can help us respond in a less defensive and resistant way when presented with threats”.[2]

They can lower stress and improve problem-solving performance. Optimistic thoughts can help us focus on our goals throughout the day, promote and maintain self-change.

The purpose of a positive affirmation is to rewrite the subconscious mind, and for that they should be used daily, e.g., in the morning and before bedtime, or placed in a visible spot in the house, car, laptop, etc., where they will be seen repeatedly. You can write them down every day or repeat them mentally.

If you ever wondered if they are helpful at all, of think they seem silly, here’s a quote from Louise Hay, one of the biggest advocates of affirmations who helped popularize their use: “Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”

Why not try to transform that deep-rooted (bad) habit into something positive? What do you have to lose?

• “I am where I am supposed to be.”
• “I do enough. I have enough. I am enough.” (from Kimberly Ann Johnson’s The Fourth Trimester book).
• “I create a safe and calm space for myself wherever I go.”
• “I choose to be serene and focused.”
• “I happily accept the challenge that this situation / task / person represents to me.”
• “I focus on the things that are within my control.”
• “Every experience in my life is an opportunity for learning and growth”.

[1] Affirmations: The Why, What, How, and What If? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/smart-relationships/201403/affirmations-the-why-what-how-and-what-if

[2] Positive Daily Affirmations: Is There Science Behind It? https://positivepsychology.com/daily-affirmations/).

Bibliography

Hay, Louise. You can heal your life. Hay House Inc.:1984.

Johnson, Kimberly Ann. The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality. Shambala Publications, Boulder: 2017