The science of affirmations

How to Practice Affirmations

Positive affirmations are more than just a trend. They’re a potent tool for anyone embarking on a path of transformation, self-improvement, and development. And a strong, consistent practice can help you unlock the power of affirmations and maximize their benefits to your emotional and mental well-being. Here’s a in-depth guide to help you establish and maintain an effective, rewarding affirmations practice.

February 5, 2024
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6 min

Your step-by-step guide to practice affirmations 

Are you ready to find peace and positivity in your daily life and step into the highest, most authentic version of yourself? 

Whether you’re new to the world of affirmations or looking for ways to strengthen your existing routine, here’s an easy-to-follow guide for how to practice affirmations. 

Create your sanctuary

First things first. To practice affirmations successfully, you need to be in a place that is quiet and peaceful.

If you’re home alone, it can be anywhere: your favorite spot on the couch, in your zen bedroom, or wherever else you feel most at peace. 

But if you live with others, you might need to get a bit more creative. Find a quiet room, away from the noise and traffic of your household. Ideally, you’ll have a door you can close so that you can enjoy a few minutes of peace and privacy. 

If you can, you might want to style your space with low lights or candles, aromatherapy, or soft music. 

Or, you may prefer to take your affirmations outdoors, where the stillness of nature fills you with inspiration.  

Get comfortable

Once you’ve found a spot that feels peaceful, it’s time for you to get comfortable. 

You’ve probably seen images of people meditating: sitting on the floor, legs crossed into the classic lotus position, hands on the knees with palms facing up. 

If that’s comfortable for you, great! But there’s no “right’ pose when you practice affirmations. 

You may choose to practice affirmations lying down, sitting on the floor, sitting in your favorite chair, or in whatever other position feels best for you. Yoga mats, floor cushions, and other 

Also, since you want your sole focus to be on your affirmations, avoid clothing that is uncomfortable. Itchy tags and too-tight buttons will only distract you.

Find meaningful affirmations

Next, you’ll want to have a selection of affirmations that resonate with your heart and soul. 

These can be affirmations that you’ve written in a journal or on your phone, affirmations that you’ve found online, or affirmations that you can scroll through in an app, such as I am. 

In the I am app, you can curate different lists of affirmations, including writing original affirmations that are customized to what’s happening in your life right now and what you want to achieve. 

Relax your body

Before you practice affirmations: 

  • Take a deep, cleansing breath. 
  • Unclench your jaw. 
  • Raise your shoulders as high as you can, then push them down and back, away from your ears. 
  • Do a quick body scan. Note any muscles that feel tense, and relax them with every exhale. 

Let any tension or stiffness drift away, leaving you calm and ready to receive the power of affirmations. 

Read and repeat your affirmations

Now that your body and mind are calm, relaxed, and ready to practice affirmations, slowly read through your list. 

Read each affirmation slowly and intentionally. Repeat each of them so that they stay with you. 

Words have power, so in a perfect world, you’ll be in a place where you feel comfortable repeating your affirmations out loud. It may feel awkward or silly at first, and that’s okay. Growth is found outside of your comfort zone! 

But if that’s not possible, you can practice affirmations by reading them to yourself. 

As you repeat each affirmation, take your time to think about what it truly means to you. 

How can you apply this affirmation to your life? 

How can this affirmation help you? 

Take note of how you feel as you read each affirmation and the feelings that come up. 

Internalize your affirmations

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you practice affirmations is that you must truly allow yourself to believe in them. 

For example, take an affirmation such as, “I am becoming the best version of myself.” 

It may make you uncomfortable. It may lead you to recall a recent situation that didn’t bring out the best in you. It may make you think, “I’m not there yet.” 

Make your affirmations work for you by accepting them as part of your journey. Imagine them to already be true. How would you feel, act, speak, and think? Then give yourself permission to be that person. 

In this case, accept that you are becoming the best version of yourself. Welcome the confidence that this gives you. Walk outside with your head held high, , and face life just as the very best version of yourself would.

Be consistent

You can set daily reminders in I am app

As with almost everything in life, consistency is the key to success. 

  • Practicing affirmations in the morning can help you set a positive, inspired mindset that’ll have you glowing throughout the day. 
  • Practicing affirmations in the evening can help you unwind and relax at the end of the day. 

You can also use your affirmations whenever you need an extra boost in your day. Try affirmations for success before a big meeting or interview, affirmations for confidence while you’re getting ready for your day, or affirmations for strengthening your relationships when you’re on your way to spend time with friends and loved ones.

Even just a few minutes each day is enough to establish your practice, reframe negative thoughts, and help you adopt a positive, productive mindset. 

Try to practice your affirmations every day. But if something comes up, don’t be too harsh on yourself. Life happens, after all! Simply pick your practice back up the next day.

Final Thoughts

Affirmations are a roadmap, leading you along a transformative journey to self-love, resilience, and success. 

With our step-by-step guide to practicing affirmations, you can establish an easy, effective, and consistent routine that works for you and your lifestyle. 

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