40 positive affirmations for better self-care and brighter days (2024)

by Kaiser Permanente |
40 positive affirmations for better self-care and brighter days (1)

There’s some truth to the old saying “you are what you think.” Negative thinking can give you a more negative outlook on life. And that negative outlook can lead to even more negative thoughts. This cycle of negativity often results in feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.

To break the cycle, it’s important to reframe your thinking to focus on possibilities and potential. Positive affirmations can shift your internal dialogue and help keep negative thoughts at bay.

What is an affirmation?

The word “affirm” means to validate or confirm. Affirmations are short, encouraging statements that you can use to create a more positive frame of mind.

You can repeat an affirmation to yourself as often as you’d like — while brushing your teeth, driving to work, or before you fall asleep. The more often you use an affirmation, the more it can help reinforce your sense of value and self-worth.

Affirmations to try today

Try using one of these affirmations throughout your day. By the end of the day, you may notice that you’re feeling more positive and motivated.

  1. I am ready.
  2. My efforts help me succeed.
  3. I can make a real difference.
  4. My hard work will pay off.
  5. I am strong.
  6. I have the power to make the right choices for me.
  7. I have faith in my abilities.
  8. I got this.
  9. I am grateful for what I can do.
  10. I am happy to be me.
  11. My goals are achievable.
  12. I am confident.
  13. I will be kind to myself today.
  14. I am on the right path for me.
  15. I deserve love in my life.
  16. I will take action to accomplish my goals.
  17. I will celebrate the progress I’m making to reach my goals
  18. I will look for the good in things.
  19. I am always learning.
  20. I trust myself.
  21. I will try new things.
  22. I will turn negative thoughts into positive ones.
  23. I will accept myself as I am.
  24. I love myself.
  25. I will make time for what brings me joy.
  26. I am powerful.
  27. I believe in myself.
  28. It’s OK for me to have fun.
  29. My possibilities are endless.
  30. I am well-rested and full of energy.
  31. I am relaxed and at peace.
  32. I am strong in mind, body, and spirit.
  33. My life is a gift.
  34. I deserve love and happiness.
  35. I care for myself.
  36. Healthy food fuels my body.
  37. Today, I will take steps to reach my goals.
  38. I give myself room to make mistakes and grow.
  39. I will find moments of joy today.
  40. I embrace my power.

Looking for more ways to stay positive?

Discover how to improve your mind-body connection with these mental health resources.

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40 positive affirmations for better self-care and brighter days (2024)

FAQs

What are powerful affirmations to say daily? ›

I'm freeing myself from all destructive doubt and fear. I accept myself for who I am and create peace, power and confidence of mind and of heart. I am going to forgive myself and free myself. I deserve to forgive and be forgiven.

How long does it take for positive affirmations to work? ›

For some people who commit to the process daily, they might see positive shifts in as little as a month. If the thought is deeply ingrained and you say your affirmation twice a day but continue to think and speak negatively the rest of the day, it's going to take a lot longer.

Do daily positive affirmations work? ›

Positive affirmations work best when they're about a specific issue or concern you're dealing with. If you're going through a difficult situation, positive affirmations can help you get through it. An essential part of doing positive affirmations is not to deny your reality. Denial isn't a good coping strategy.

What are words of affirmation for myself? ›

I am resilient in the face of challenges. I am proud of myself and my achievements. I will accomplish everything I need to do today. I do my best, and my best is good enough.

What happens if you say affirmations everyday? ›

Saying affirmations for peace regularly helps our brain to create positive responses to different circ*mstances. Although it may seem hard to believe, these short phrases can significantly change how we perceive ourselves and our surroundings.

What top 3 affirmations are you going to start using? ›

Here are some positive mental health affirmations to get you started:
  • I am a strong, capable person.
  • I have done difficult things in the past, and I can do them again.
  • I have experienced challenges in the past, and I am more resilient because of this.
Jan 26, 2023

Are affirmations better at night or morning? ›

One of the best times to practice affirmations is at night before bed. During bedtime, our minds are in a very receptive state - the theta state. This makes it the perfect time to practice positive affirmations to ourselves, as they will be more likely to 'stick' and take effect.

Does falling asleep to affirmations work? ›

Research suggests affirmations can help people change their behaviors, so affirmations can be used strategically to help a person engage in behaviors that promote sleep, like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and other healthy sleep habits.

How many times should you repeat positive affirmations? ›

You can either say your affirmations out loud or you can write them down. Either way, most practitioners recommend that you repeat each affirmation (if you have more than one) ten or more times. However, if this starts to get tedious, don't feel too concerned about reducing the number of repetitions.

How many affirmations should I say a day? ›

To get the most benefit from affirmations, you'll want to start a regular practice and make it a habit: Start with 3 to 5 minutes at least twice a day. Try saying affirmations upon waking up and getting into bed, for example. Repeat each affirmation about 10 times.

Can affirmations change your appearance? ›

Can affirmations change your body? Absolutely they can change the body. It has all to do with your thinking and how you see yourself.

Can affirmations change your life? ›

Here are some of the key benefits: Improved mental health: Affirmations can help combat negative thoughts that often lead to anxiety and depression. By focusing on positive outcomes, you can develop a more optimistic mindset. Increased confidence: Regularly affirming your self-worth helps build self-esteem.

What is the most powerful word of affirmation? ›

10 Powerful, positive words of affirmation to say every day
  • I have all the strength and confidence within me that I need to succeed. ...
  • Everything in life happens for me. ...
  • The most essential thing is that I learn something. ...
  • Nothing can stop me from achieving what I want. ...
  • I am awesome. ...
  • I'm making today count.
Feb 20, 2024

What is a strong message for myself? ›

I am strong. My confidence is beautiful. I am imperfect but I'm perfectly me. My smile can make someone feel better.

Which is the best example of a self affirmation? ›

Some examples of positive affirmations are: I am confident. I am confident socially and enjoy meeting new people. I am naturally self-confident and comfortable with myself and these are just parts of who I am.

What are affirmations to start the day? ›

Affirmations are positive statements that can help you overcome negative thinking, reduce stress, boost confidence, and set the tone for your day. Some examples of positive affirmations could be: 'I am worthy of success', 'I can do hard things', or 'today will be a good day'.

What is a one word affirmation? ›

This could be an encouraging statement like “Success”, “Joy”, or “Love”, or a word that represents the change you're looking to make, like “Confidence” or “Gratitude”.

What is the most popular affirmation? ›

I share with you my top 10 Positive Affirmations:
  • I choose to be in a good mood.
  • I choose to have a positive attitude.
  • I believe in myself.
  • I forgive myself for not being perfect.
  • I make the best of every situation.
  • I have control over my thoughts and feelings.
  • I treat others with respect.

What affirmations are given to letting go of negative thoughts? ›

10 affirmations for positive thinking:
  1. Whatever life throws at me, I can handle it.
  2. Today is going to be a good day.
  3. Bad days come and go.
  4. I am thankful for my experiences, they've helped me to grow.
  5. I am happy and relaxed.
  6. I continue to thrive and grow.
  7. The past is behind me and the future is bright.
  8. I am enough.
Sep 8, 2023

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