Power of Affirmations

We had an amazing session for our members recently with our NLP coach, Beck Collins, explaining to us in depth the power of positive affirmation.

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Reflecting on my journey into Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), I was struck by how our thoughts and words shape our reality in profound ways. It felt like uncovering a hidden treasure: the realisation that every affirmation I speak is a powerful tool for transforming my health and well-being. Imagine your body as a garden, where each positive thought is a seed that can blossom into vibrant health and happiness. By choosing to nurture these seeds, we can cultivate a life filled with joy and vitality.

Affirmations are powerful statements that can support you on your health and wellness journey. You might not realise it, but you use affirmations every time you talk. The words we choose have a big impact on how we feel about ourselves. By being more mindful of what we say, we can lift ourselves up. Affirmations help us let go of old, negative beliefs and replace them with positive ones, allowing us to move forward in a more empowering way.

What is an affirmation?

An affirmation is a positive statement designed to encourage and inspire personal growth or change. It reinforces beliefs, boosts confidence, and helps shift your mindset. For instance, saying, "I am capable and worthy of achieving my goals" promotes self-confidence and motivation. Another example is, "I am healthy, strong, and full of energy." This affirmation emphasises physical well-being and vitality, helping to cultivate a positive mindset about your health. By repeating it, you reinforce beliefs that support an active and vibrant lifestyle, boosting your motivation to make healthy choices. Incorporating affirmations into practices like mindfulness can help you focus on your strengths and positive qualities.

The Science Behind Affirmations

Research in neuroplasticity reveals that the brain can reorganise itself by forming new neural connections based on our experiences and thoughts. By consistently practising affirmations, we can rewire our brains to foster a more positive self-image, enhancing emotional resilience. Furthermore, studies show that positive affirmations can lower cortisol levels, helping to alleviate stress and promote a greater sense of well-being.

The Power of Affirmations

Everything you say and think has an impact. Unfortunately, a lot of our self-talk can be quite negative and doesn’t support our well-being. If we want to change our lives, we need to retrain our thoughts and how we speak. Affirmations open the way for this transformation. By using affirmations, you are telling your subconscious mind, "I am taking responsibility. I am aware that there is something I can do to change." This shift in mindset is a powerful step toward positive change!

Saying affirmations is just part of the process. What you say and do throughout the day is even more important. The key to making affirmations work quickly and consistently is to create an atmosphere in which they can flourish, much like seeds planted in nourishing soil. Just as seeds need the right conditions to grow strong and healthy, your affirmations thrive when surrounded by positivity and supportive actions. The more you choose thoughts that uplift you, the faster your affirmations will take root and work their magic.

When using affirmations, it’s crucial to speak in the present tense and avoid contractions. For example, start with "I am" instead of "I am going to" or "I will have." The reason for this is simple: using future phrases keeps your thoughts in the future, making it harder to bring your desires into reality. It's like the saying, "where focus goes, energy flows." The universe takes your words seriously and reflects back what you concentrate on. By keeping your affirmations in the present, you’re more likely to manifest what you truly want!

It’s equally important not to dwell on problems or argue about your limitations. The more you talk about the challenges you face, the more you anchor them in place. Focus on what you want to create instead!

The Impact of Words

Affirmations help you eliminate old patterns and create something new in your life. All of our self-talk is a form of affirmation, whether we realise it or not. Sometimes, what you want and what you believe you deserve can be very different.

The words we speak, even in moments of frustration or doubt, hold incredible power to shape our reality. When we vocalise negative thoughts or complaints, we unintentionally affirm what we don’t want in our lives, just as we would with positive affirmations. Each time we express our frustrations or insecurities, we reinforce those feelings, making it harder to break free from them. Here are some common examples of how this plays out:

Anger: Every time you get angry, you’re affirming that you want more anger in your life.

Complaints: When you frequently say, "I can't stand this," you reinforce a mindset of dissatisfaction, attracting more negativity.

Self-Doubt: Every time you tell yourself, "I can’t do this," you’re affirming that you lack the ability to succeed.

Negative Self-Talk: When you say, "I’m not good enough," you reinforce the belief that you don’t deserve success or happiness.

Fear of Failure: By saying, "I’ll never succeed," you affirm that failure is inevitable, making you less likely to try.

Procrastination: When you say, "I’ll never get this done," you’re affirming that you won’t achieve your goals.

Comparison: Every time you say, "Others are better than me," you reinforce feelings of inadequacy and envy.

Resentment: When you dwell on past wrongs, you affirm your desire to stay stuck in anger and hurt.

Victim Mentality: By saying, "Nothing ever goes my way," you affirm that you are powerless to change your circumstances.

By recognising these patterns, you can begin to shift your language and thoughts towards more empowering affirmations, ultimately transforming your life for the better.

The Connection Between Thoughts and Wellness

Your body is like a mirror that reflects your inner thoughts and beliefs. Just as a mirror shows your appearance, your body reveals how you feel inside. Every time you think something, it sends a message to your cells, and they respond accordingly.

Think of your thoughts as a garden. If you plant positive seeds, you'll grow a beautiful garden filled with flowers. But if you let weeds—negative thoughts—take over, they can choke out the flowers.

Also, be aware that society can sometimes use illness as a means of avoiding difficult situations. When we struggle to set boundaries with others, we may unknowingly manifest a health issue that provides an excuse to say no without having to confront the underlying problem directly.

The Power of Affirmations for Health

Have you ever noticed how, as people age, their faces and bodies reflect the stories of their lives? Our physical appearance often shows the impact of our thoughts and beliefs over the years. If you’re aiming to improve your health, embracing the power of affirmations is key.

First, avoid getting angry at your body. Anger is a negative affirmation that communicates dislike or frustration, which doesn’t serve your health journey. Instead, practise affirming love and acceptance for your body just as it is.

Before you dive into positive affirmations, it's essential to shift your mindset. You can’t foster good health by continually discussing your illnesses or fixating on problems. Instead, choose to fill your thoughts with love and kindness toward your body every day.

Also, be cautious of adopting a victim mentality. If you’re feeling unwell, remind yourself that you have the power to participate in your own healing. By making conscious choices that support your well-being, you can transform your health journey. Watch how positive affirmations can not only uplift your spirit but also profoundly impact your physical health!

Negative vs. Positive Health Affirmations

Here are some examples that contrast negative affirmations with their positive counterparts to inspire you on your path to better health.

Negative: "I am always tired and have no energy."
Positive: "I am filled with energy and vitality every day."

Negative: "I can’t seem to lose weight no matter what I do."
Positive: "I am steadily reaching my healthy weight with every positive choice I make."

Negative: "I am always getting sick."
Positive: "I am strong and my body is resilient; I embrace good health."

Negative: "I don’t like my body."
Positive: "I love and appreciate my body for all it does for me."

Negative: "I am so stressed out all the time."
Positive: "I am calm, centred, and manage stress with ease."

Negative: "I can never stick to a workout routine."
Positive: "I enjoy exercising regularly and look forward to my workouts."

Negative: "I’m always in pain."
Positive: "I am healing and my body feels better every day."

Negative: "I am too old to get fit."
Positive: "I am vibrant and capable of achieving my fitness goals at any age."

Negative: "I feel overwhelmed and out of control."
Positive: "I am in control of my health and make choices that support my well-being."

Negative: "I’ll never be able to eat healthy."
Positive: "I choose nourishing foods that make me feel good and support my health."

When is the Best Time to Practise Affirmations?

Practising affirmations can be most effective at certain times of the day, especially when considering how your brain functions. Here are some ideal moments:

Morning: Right after you wake up, your brain is in a relaxed state known as the theta state, which is conducive to learning and absorbing new information. This is a great time to fill your mind with positive affirmations, setting an uplifting tone for the day ahead.

Before Bed: In the evening, as you wind down, your brain transitions back to the theta state. This is another perfect moment for affirmations, as your subconscious mind is more receptive. The positive statements can settle in as you drift off to sleep, reinforcing those thoughts while your brain is at rest.

During Meditation: When you meditate, your brain often enters the alpha state, which promotes relaxation and focus. Incorporating affirmations during this time can deepen their impact, allowing you to absorb their positive energy more fully.

Whenever You Need a Boost: If you're feeling stressed or anxious, taking a moment to practise affirmations can help shift your brain's focus back to a more positive state. This can help interrupt negative thought patterns and create a sense of calm.

By aligning your affirmation practice with these brain states, you can enhance their effectiveness and cultivate a more positive mindset over time.

Cultivating Your Affirmations

Here are some engaging ideas on how to help your affirmations grow and become a part of your daily life:

Mirror Messages: Write your affirmations on sticky notes and place them on your bathroom mirror. This way, you’ll see them every morning and evening, reminding you to start and end your day with positive thoughts.

Affirmation Journal: Dedicate a journal to your affirmations. Each day, write down a few affirmations and reflect on how they make you feel. This practice not only reinforces the statements but also tracks your personal growth over time.

Visual Reminders: Create a vision board with images and words that represent your affirmations. Hang it somewhere you’ll see often, such as your workspace or bedroom, to keep your goals and positive mindset front and centre.

Tech Tools: Use your phone or computer to set reminders with your affirmations. Schedule alerts throughout the day that prompt you to pause and recite your positive statements.

Affirmation Playlist: Record yourself saying your affirmations and create an audio playlist. Play it during your daily routine, such as while exercising or cooking, to continuously immerse yourself in positivity.

Shared Affirmations: Share your affirmations with a friend or partner. This creates a sense of accountability and encourages you both to support each other’s growth journeys.

Mindful Repetition: Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and repeat your affirmations aloud. Visualise them coming to life as you say them, allowing the words to resonate deeply within you.

By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you’ll create an environment where your affirmations can thrive, leading to a more positive mindset and a healthier outlook on life

Fostering Joy and Vitality Through Affirmations

As you continue your health and wellness journey, remember that affirmations can also help strengthen your relationships and bring more joy into your life. When you focus on positive thoughts about yourself, that energy spreads to those around you. Sharing your affirmations with friends or family invites them to join you in creating a positive atmosphere.

By uplifting yourself, you not only feel better but also inspire others to do the same. This creates a supportive environment where joy and vitality can grow. Embrace this journey with an open heart, and watch how it transforms your life into one filled with health, happiness, and deeper connections with others.

Rebecca Collins - Certified Life Coach Specialising in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Matrix Therapies

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NOTE: The advice shared via our coaches is general advice and is never a replacement for speaking to a health care professional.