One of the most common questions we get asked at Kind Cards is what are affirmations? And the answer is simple, affirmations are positive statements to make you feel good and help create a positive mindset. I can already hear you asking, ‘why use them?’ and ‘do they really work?’ and I can tell you there are tons of reasons why you should use affirmations every day to make your life happier!
First reason is perspective and attitude. If you have a positive attitude and a good outlook on life you are simply going to be happier. It’s really about ‘is the glass half full or half empty’? You will always be presented with challenges in life but if you view these challenges as an opportunity to grow and persevere through the tough times you will come out on top and almost always be a better person for what you have learnt.
On the other hand, if you look at the challenges that face you as the absolute worst scenario possible and act like it’s the end of the world by resisting change you will always feel sore and sorry for yourself. If challenges are always going to present themselves throughout your life, do you really want to feel that way all the time? Changing your perspective and attitude can be hard as these are often ingrained behaviours but this is where affirmations can be used to reinforce positive thoughts to help you shift your perspective and help you perceive the glass as half full.
Another factor that affects your happiness is that annoying little voice in your head telling you, you just can’t do that, and that again is another reason why you should use affirmations! If you are talking badly to yourself (which all of us are guilty of doing), you are limiting your ability to believe in yourself, your own abilities and your own potential. Sounds a bit dramatic but did you know your brain will believe anything you tell it?
So, if you are telling yourself horrible things (that are almost always going to be untrue) like, you are ‘fat’ or ‘you can’t do that’ you will begin to believe this. On the flip side if you tell yourself ‘your body is beautifully unique’ or ‘you are capable of great things’, then these statements become your reality and what a nicer reality you will have! Affirmations can be used to overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. Use affirmations as a positive reminder to shift negative ways of thinking and create a positive mindset that will allow you to be kinder to yourself and allow you to flourish.
Your mindset and mental health greatly impact your quality of life and happiness. Affirmations are just one tool that can be used to create positive thinking, self-empowerment and improve your mental health. Don’t underestimate the power of words and how affirmations can create a positive change in your life.