Edition: September 28th, 2021
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
(Image Credit: iStock)
- Excerpts from article by Parmita Uniyal, published in Hindustan Times
How can saying a single sentence over and over again bring about a change in your outlook and life? What are positive affirmations and do they really work? Affirmation are positive things that we tell ourselves repeatedly to achieve certain goals and feel optimistic about the outcome.
Some of the common affirmations that people are advised to say, preferably in front of the mirror, several times every day are:
- ‘I am strong and positive.’
- ‘I am worthy of it.’
- ‘I am ready to achieve my goals.’
- ‘I am becoming the best version of myself.’
- ‘I am thankful for what I have today.’
How affirmations work
A study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, says that practising self-affirmations activates the reward centres in the brain.
Saying a positive sentence light up the same reward centres in the brain that respond to other pleasurable experiences such as winning a prize or reliving a positive memory.
In this world full of stress, emotional troubles, hardships and negativity, positive affirmations can be a cure to keep you in a good state of mind. When things do not go as per your plan, it becomes very easy to lose your confidence and think negatively.
Affirmations are the best way to make you feel better. Writing a positive affirmation every morning can make you feel happier, healthier, and in a safe space. Building positive affirmations and repeating them to yourself, regularly, can also change your outlook towards life.
Here are 6 tips to keep in mind while practising affirmations:
1. Set your goals
The affirmations works best when you have a goal to achieve. If your affirmation is about getting a hike in salary, visualise the situation in as much detail as possible.
2. Write your affirmations in present tense
Affirmations are always written in the present tense. Apparently our subconscious responds to affirmations better when things are happening now and not to something that will happen in future.
3. Repeat them daily
Repeat your affirmations at least once a day – but not more than three times a day. When you do, believe in it.
4. Don’t rush through them
Always repeat your affirmations for 4-5 minutes. Do not hurry through it. Feel what you are saying.
5. Practise in front of a mirror
For better results practice affirmations in front of the mirror. A mirror is a great tool for self-reflection and building self-confidence. Stand before a mirror and speak out loud what you would like to achieve, give yourself an inspirational talk.
6. Continue till you achieve your goals
Keep practising affirmations till the time you have achieved your goals. There is no designated time to stop your affirmations.
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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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