The science of affirmations

9 Proven Benefits of Affirmations

New to the world of affirmations? Explore the proven benefits of affirmations and discover how this inspiring practice can improve your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

February 5, 2024
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6 min

Understanding the benefits of affirmations

Before we explore the benefits of affirmation, let’s take a closer look at what affirmations are and how they work. 

What are affirmations?

Affirmations are short, empowering positive statements that you repeat to yourself. You repeat them to yourself to encourage positive thoughts, a positive mindset, and a positive life. 

For an affirmation to be successful, it should be: 

  • In the first person, beginning with or containing the word “I”
  • In the present tense (so you can feel it happening now)
  • Attuned to what you want to improve or achieve, whether it be inner peace, career success, or an amazing relationship. 

Here are a few examples of affirmations we love. 

  • I am enough. 
  • I am surrounded by love and laughter. 
  • I choose how I want to react. 
  • I attract amazing opportunities. 
  • I am a beautiful person, inside and out.

Of course, not every affirmation will resonate with you. But you can find or write affirmations that will apply to any situation, experience, or goal you wish to focus on. 

How to practice affirmations 

Once you’ve found the ones that work for you, the key to unlocking the benefits of affirmations is within your practice. 

We’ve put together an in-depth guide to practicing affirmations, but the basic steps are these.  

  1. Choose your affirmations. 
  2. Get comfy! 
  3. Read and repeat (preferably out loud). 
  4. Internalize your affirmations. Think of how they apply to your life. If you’re affirming success, imagine it, visualize it, and embody it. 
  5. Practice your affirmations regularly. 

Of all these points, there’s a special emphasis on the last one. 

Practicing affirmations once or twice might feel good. It may even lend you peace or confidence in that moment. 

But to truly unlock the benefits of affirmations, you have to be consistent in your practice. Carve out time each and every day, and you’ll soon feel the changes in your mood and mindset.

You deserve to feel great about yourself and your life!

5 psychological benefits of affirmations 

Now that you understand a bit more about affirmations and how they work, let’s look into the benefits of affirmations. 

1. A positive mindset

Affirmations focus on the positive results you wish to see, whether they’re internal (finding peace) or external (career success). 

By reframing your thoughts and training your mind to see the positive, affirmations promote a more optimistic outlook on life.

Affirmations for positivity: 

  • I trust that I am on the right path. 
  • I am enough.
  • I am evolving into the best version of myself.

2. Enhanced self-confidence

Even while you work on improving areas of your life, affirmations help you accept every part of yourself. This can help increase feelings of self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth. 

Affirmations for self-confidence:

  • I am capable of achieving my dreams. 
  • I love myself just as I am. 
  • I am a wonderful human being. 

3. Lower stress

Taking time out of each day to focus on your mental well-being is one of the most beautiful and rewarding things you can do for yourself. 

If you’re feeling particularly stressed out or anxious, affirmations centered on calm and inner peace can help you soothe intrusive thoughts and remind you that everything is, and will continue to be, okay. 

Affirmations for peace and calm: 

  • I take calming breaths and let myself be. 
  • I choose to adopt a peaceful mindset today.
  • I remain calm and unflustered, whatever the day brings.

4. Better relationships

Can affirmations help improve your relationships with friends, family, co-workers, and even the love of your life? You bet! 

Affirmations help you transform into the best version of yourself, the version that’s kind, compassionate, and generous. They can also help you see the best in others, accepting their flaws without judgment or criticism. 

Affirmations to improve your relationships:

  • I am surrounded by love and support. 
  • I enjoy the happy times I spend with my loved ones. 
  • I choose a future with healthy, positive relationships.

5. Increased motivation

Ready to rev up your motivation? Then get excited, because affirmations can help you stay committed to your goals, cope with challenges, and pursue your boldest aspirations. 

Repeat affirmations that are centered around what you want to achieve, as a reminder to stay focused, passionate, and determined. 

As you walk the path to success, affirmations can inspire you to continue your journey.

Affirmations for motivation: 

  • I am brave enough to do whatever needs to be done. 
  • I am fully committed to achieving my success.
  • I remain faithful to my goals.

And 4 physical benefits of affirmations

The benefits of affirmations don’t end with your mind; affirmations can also benefit your body. 

There are two ways in which affirmations can help your physical well-being. 

1. Healthier habits

First, you can practice affirmations for physical health, including fitness, nutrition, and healthy habits. 

Keep telling yourself how much you enjoy moving and eating healthy, and before too long, your body will believe it. Or, use affirmations as a pep talk before heading to the gym or exercising. 

Affirmations for health and well-being: 

  • It feels good to take care of myself.
  • I am committed to being my best, healthiest self.
  • I deserve the strong, healthy body I am working on.

2. Encourage the mind-body connection

But surprisingly, affirmations can also improve your physical well-being even if that isn’t your focus. 

How? 

It’s the mind-body connection.

As we mentioned earlier, affirmations can help you be more optimistic and think positively. This lowers your stress, and stress levels are proven to affect your physical health

By reducing stress and its harmful health effects, here are some ways that affirmations can also improve your physical well-being. 

  • Reduce or eliminate headaches
  • Increase your energy
  • Improve your sleep
  • Release muscle tightness, tension, or pain
  • Increase your libido

3. Improved immune response

Studies show that stress also slows the response of white blood cells, your body’s “defense system” that protects you from infections, illnesses, and diseases. 

When you’re feeling frazzled and stressed out, it’s easier to catch a cold or to take longer to recover from an injury.

In contrast, your immune system is stronger and you stay healthier when you’re calm and at peace. 

4. Eliminate digestive issues

And finally, there’s the gut-brain axis (GBA). 

Research shows that the health of one manifests in the other. If your mind is calm, so is your digestive system, and vice versa. But if your mind is in turmoil, your digestive system will be, too.

It’s why you feel butterflies in your stomach before a big presentation or first date, and why having digestive issues can make you feel anxious. 

By calming your anxious, racing mind, affirmations can also soothe your digestive issues and overcome any uncomfortable symptoms. 

Final thoughts

Affirmations are much more than positive phrases. The undeniable benefits of affirmations allow them to make a deep, meaningful impact on your physical, emotional, and mental health. 

As you adopt an affirmations practice, remember that consistency is the key to changing your outlook and elevating your well-being. 

We’ve shared a few of our top affirmations with you, but we have more! Visit the I am app for access to affirmations that you can apply to every area of your life. Set reminders on your phone, and infuse your whole day with boosts of positivity and inspiration.

Your best self awaits, one powerful, positive affirmation at a time!

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