Live Well
I am , I am , I am By Karyn Cowan
Everything we say after the words , “ I am …” creates our personal reality , which is why affirmations are so effective in contributing to our happiness .
Images : Pexels
Affirmations are positive statements that may help mitigate the effects of negative thought patterns , stress and self-sabotage . They can also be used to boost self-esteem , motivate yourself and encourage new habits . According to psychology and neuroscience , repeating them ( and believing them ) will create a new mindset , and the more energy you put into the affirmation , the more effective it will be !
A 2016 study indicated that affirmations work best when associated with self-worth and provide a positive mentality about the future . As mentioned in Positive Psychology , here are just some of the evidence-based benefits of daily affirmations , as shown by various researchers :
• They have been shown to assist in decreasing stress that deteriorates health and wellbeing .
• Affirmations have been used effectively to assist people to increase their physical exercise .
• They have been associated positively to increasing academic achievement .
• Self-affirmation has been demonstrated to lower overall stress and tension .
Getting started !
Start with three to five minutes , at least twice a day . Try repeating aloud affirmations upon waking up and getting out of bed . Some people stand in front of a mirror when they say their affirmations , or write them on their hand , place them in their wallet or car , or doodle on a sticky note to look at during the day . There are also many gentle recordings on the internet to listen to for hours while you sleep !
Here are some affirmations that may assist you :
• I am healthy , healing and whole .
• My fitness levels are increasing .
• I am consistent .
• My energy levels are high .
• I am kind , loving and caring .
• My body chooses healthy foods to eat .
• I am safe .
• Exercise is an integral part of my life .
• My performance is increasing .
• I can do anything I put my mind to .
There are also pieces of writing that incorporate affirmations . Here is Louise Hay ’ s Self Love Affirmation , which is one of my favourites :
“ I live in harmony and balance with everyone I know . Deep at the centre of my being , there is an infinite well of love . I now allow this love to flow to the surface . It fills my heart , my body , my mind , my consciousness , my very being , and radiates out from me in all directions and returns to me multiplied . The more love I use and give , the more I have to give . The supply is endless . The use of love makes me feel good ; it is an expression of my inner joy .”
“ I love myself ; therefore , I take loving care of my body . I lovingly feed it nourishing foods and beverages . I lovingly groom it and dress it , and my body lovingly responds to me with vibrant health and energy . I love myself ; therefore , I provide for myself a comfortable home , one that fills all my needs and is a pleasure to be in . I fill the rooms with the vibration of love so that all who enter , myself included , will feel this love and be nourished by it .”
“ I love myself ; therefore , I work at a job I truly enjoy doing , one that uses my creative talents and abilities , working with and for people I love and who love me , and earning a good income . I love myself ; therefore , I behave and think in a loving way to all people , as I know that what I give out returns to me multiplied . I only attract loving people in my world , for they are a mirror of what I am . I love myself ; therefore , I forgive and totally release all past experiences and I am free .”
“ I love myself ; therefore , I live totally in the now , experiencing each moment as good and knowing that my future is bright and joyous and secure , for I am a beloved child of the Universe , and the Universe lovingly takes care of me now and forever more .”
Of course , you can come up with your own affirmations , which are meaningful to you , and I suggest you repeat them for 30 days to see what possibilities can be created for you !
Karyn Cowan is the owner of In Touch Wellness and a partner at Bedford Wellness Centre . She is a massage therapy specialist , palliative care worker and end of life Doula . Karyn advocates holistic wellness , which includes aspects of mental , physical and emotional health around sport , pregnancy , terminal care , stress management and life transitions . Find out more at www . intouchwellness . co . za , or go to Instagram : in _ touch _ wellness , or Facebook : In Touch Wellness .
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