By: Cynthia Copoulos

What are positive affirmations?

Positive affirmations are almost as easy to define as they are to incorporate into your daily life. Put simply, it’s a positive phrase or statement to challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts.

Have you ever thought about your thoughts? Funny concept right, but seriously, what are some things your inner voice is telling you?  Is it saying how beautiful you are every day or is your inner voice your worst critic? Don’t worry, if it is, we can all relate!

According to the National Science Foundation, the average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. It’s estimated that about 80% of those thoughts are negative and 95% are repetitive thoughts. Crazy right? Repetitive negative thoughts can be detrimental to your “psychological immunity”.  No wonder 16.2 million U.S. adults have had at least one major depressive episode a year and women are 2x more likely to experience depression than men!

What if we replaced those repetitive negative thoughts with more positive ones? According to a survey of 6,500 women, 95% said that happiness was more important to them than power, wealth or even beauty! With a solid affirmation practice you have the ability to completely transform your life especially your relationship with yourself. *Que Lizzo’s “Soulmate”*

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says “I’m possible”

- Audrey Hepburn

Positive affirmations have been shown to reprogram the subconscious mind. Changing what we say about ourselves on a subconscious level could significantly impact our overall self esteem  and how we view ourselves in the world. It’s the basic laws of attraction. You are what you think so let’s start saying some kinder words to ourselves every day!

“You are amazing. Now fucking own that shit!”

- Cynthia Copoulos

4 BENEFITS OF POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

Vitamins for your Mental Health

Incorporating positive affirmations into your daily boss babe routine can significantly improve your psychological immune system giving it a much needed boost and it’s as easy as taking your vitamins!

Increases Overall Positivity 

Stating one positive affirmation each morning can cause a ripple effect that has the power to influence your entire day! Think of affirmations as the key to opening the door to a path of true transformation and inner growth.

Positivity isn’t about acting like everything is good. It’s seeing the good in everything. There are literally no negative effects to being positive. We could all use a little more love in our lives, especially for ourselves.

Increases feelings of Gratitude

Positive affirmations have the power to awaken appreciation. With gratitude in your tool kit, you can turn any situation into a positive one. Expressing gratitude shifts your consciousness into a positive state of mind thus filling your entire being with unconditional love and appreciation. 

Exercise for your Brain

When using positive affirmations regularly you’re thinking about thinking. I know it’s still weird to think about and yes, that pun was intended. When you’re observing your thoughts you’re becoming more self aware thus allowing you to be more in control of your mind and your thoughts.

Positivity doesn’t come naturally for most of us and having the discipline to incorporate positive thoughts and feelings about ourselves is like exercise for your brain. I admit, it can be hard at first but sticking with a positive affirmation practice will create a much stronger, clearer, more stable environment for your mind. This pushes you to be more in control of your thoughts and brings awareness of your needs and desires.

THE TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Positive affirmations are a great act of self love. They have the ability to reverse negative internal messages and transmute that energy into positivity! Positivity motivates us! When you  feel great you want to share that with other people. Whether you’re seeking to feel more comfortable in your own skin or using positive affirmations to combat anxiety, it's a great way to strengthen mental fitness!