Does anxiety make it hard for you to stay focused and feel your best? You are not alone! Mental agitation or distress can impact our daily lives, often making us feel overwhelmed.

I've been struggling with anxiety since I was a kid and know how it can impact your body, daily life, focus, sleep, and productivity.

The good news is that there are several approaches we can take to cope with situational anxiety, one of which being self-affirmations.

Self-affirmations involve proactively rotating positive statements in your head -- validating thoughts like “I am capable” or “I have the strength to get through this” -- as a source of comfort during difficult times.

Implementing self affirmations into everyday life may be just the thing you need to reduce anxious feelings.

While self affirmations can be powerful tools, don't be afraid to seek professional help through therapy, support groups, or other mental health services.

What are Self Affirmations?

Self affirmations are phrases that you can use to boost your self-esteem and self-confidence. They are essentially statements that declare positive things about yourself.

By repeating them to yourself regularly, you are convincing your mind these statements are true, which in turn boosts your overall belief in yourself.

For example, you could repeat to yourself "I am capable and strong" or "I can handle any challenge that comes my way". Using self affirmations can help you overcome negative self-talk that can be brought on by anxiety.

It is important to use self affirmations regularly in order to see the greatest benefits. So go ahead, give yourself the gift of self-affirmation and watch your confidence soar!

47 Self Affirmations for Anxiety

If you're looking for some phrases to focus on for anxiety relief and inner peace, these affirmations and positive phrases might help! This list of affirmations is a great place to start. Don't be afraid to make up your own affirmations too!

1. I acknowledge these thoughts and emotions & choose to let them go

2. I trust in my own abilities to handle difficult situations

3. I can accept change without fear or worry

4. I have the strength and courage to face my fears

5. My worth is not determined by any external factors

6. Peace and serenity are within my reach

7. I choose to focus on the positive things in my life

8. I will not be overwhelmed by stress or anxiety

9. I can achieve anything I set out to do

10. My inner strength will guide me through any challenge that comes my way.

11. I choose to be happy and content in my life

12. I am able to make decisions without the confines of anxiety or fear

13. I have the power to reach my goals, regardless of any obstacles

14. I can handle whatever comes my way with strength and grace

15. I will not let my anxiety control my life

16. I am enough, just as I am

17. I am surrounded by love and support

18. My best is good enough

19. It is okay to take time for myself when needed.

20. Everything will be alright in the end.

21. I am capable of achieving my goals

22. I am free to be myself

23. It is okay for me to make mistakes and learn from them

24. I will not let anxiety define who I am

25. My feelings are valid and deserve to be acknowledged

26. I have a purpose in life and I will fulfill it

27. I am worthy of a peaceful life

28. I have the strength to keep going, even when things seem difficult

29. My worth does not depend on my mistakes or successes

30. I can create a bright future for myself

31. It is okay to take a break and relax

32. I am enough, no matter what anyone says

33. I am strong and capable of facing my fears

34. I choose to be happy with who I am

35. I will take small steps towards achieving my goals

36. I can create a life that fulfills me

37. I am enough, even when I make mistakes

38. I can create positive energy in my life

39. It is okay to ask for help when needed

40. I will not let anxiety dictate the decisions I make

41. My voice matters and deserves to be heard

42. I will not let anxiety limit what I can do

43. I am worthy of love, respect and kindness

44. It is okay to express my emotions in a healthy way

45. I will choose kindness towards myself and others.

46. Fear will not control me.

47. I am confident and courageous

Understanding the Coping Mechanism Behind Self Affirmations

When someone engages in self-affirmation, they are essentially giving themselves a pep talk – reminding themselves of their strengths and capabilities.

This practice can be particularly helpful during challenging times, as it helps individuals to build resilience and maintain a sense of self-worth to reduce the stress and anxiety.

Research has shown that self-affirmation can lead to improved outcomes in various aspects of life, including reduced stress, health, academic performance, and relationships.

By understanding the coping mechanism behind self-affirmations, we can learn to harness the power of positive self-talk and use it to enhance our well-being.

Tips to Create Your Own Self Affirmations

On top of the list of affirmations, you can also create some of your own based on your own experience with anxiety.

The first step is to decide what you want to affirm. It could be something specific, like a skill you want to develop or a goal you want to achieve.

Next, craft your affirmation in the present tense, as if it's already true. Use positive language and avoid negative words like "don't" or "can't."

Finally, repeat your affirmation daily and believe in it. The more you repeat it, the more you'll start to believe in yourself and your abilities.

Remember, self-affirmations are about empowering you, so don't be afraid to be creative and make them personal to you.

When to Use Self Affirmations for Anxiety

One of the most common times to use self affirmations is when you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. By repeating positive statements to yourself, you can help shift your focus away from any negative thoughts and feelings.

This can in turn help reduce the intensity of your anxious feelings. If you feel panic attacks coming on or know you're going to be in stressful situations consider trying to repeat your affirmations to bring you back to the present moment.

If you've had a bad day then pull out a powerful affirmation! During situational times of stress it can be helpful to pair your affirmation with some slow breaths or breathing techniques to help calm those worried thoughts and any physical anxiety in your body.

It's also a good idea to practice self affirmations even when you're feeling calm, so that you have a positive mindset to draw on when you start having those anxious thoughts.

Additionally, it can be beneficial to use self affirmations first thing in the morning or before bed, as this can help set the tone for the rest of the day.

For me personally, I try to say my meditations every day after I have my morning coffee and do my yoga routine. I feel like it is a useful tool the helps set me up for a good day.

How to Incorporate Your Self Affirmations In Everyday Life to Reduce Anxiety & Stress

By repeating your affirmations daily, this can help take back your power over your anxiety. However, creating that routine can be challenging. Here are a few tips!

One strategy is to pair your affirmations with physical exercises. For example, you might repeat a positive statement such as "I am strong and capable" while doing bicep curls or push-ups.

By pairing an empowering statement with a physical activity, you create a mind-body connection that can strengthen your belief in your own abilities.

Remember to choose exercises that feel good to you and that you enjoy, as this will help you associate the positive feelings of exercise with your affirmations. With practice, you'll find it easier and easier to incorporate self-affirmations into your daily routine.

Another strategy is to consider adding a journal prompt or simply writing down your affirmations every day. This could be something you do before you go to bed at night!

Add your daily affirmations onto a part of your routine that is already easy for you! Like your morning coffee! Consider reciting the affirmations while you drink your morning cup of Joe. This way you'll be reminded every time you smell that morning coffee.

Benefits of Practicing Self Affirmations Daily

Practicing self affirmations daily can have a significant impact on one's mental and emotional well-being. By repeating these affirmations daily, you can train your brain to think more positively, boost your confidence, and reduce stress and anxiety.

In addition, practicing self affirmations can also help you overcome negative self-talk and self-doubt, leading to a more positive self-image.

It may take some time to fully incorporate affirmations into your daily routine, but with consistent practice, you can experience the many benefits they have to offer.

Overcoming Negative Thoughts With Positive Words

Negative thoughts can be incredibly harmful to our mental health and overall wellbeing. But fortunately, there are ways to replace them with positive words. One effective technique is to consciously practice positive self-talk.

For example, instead of letting a negative thought like "I'm not good enough" take over, replace it with a positive affirmation like "I am capable and deserving of success."

It may take time and effort to rewire our thought patterns, but practicing positive self-talk can have powerful effects on our mindset and perspective.

Additionally, surrounding ourselves with positive influences - such as supportive friends, inspiring books or podcasts, and uplifting quotes - can also help to counteract negative thoughts and cultivate a more positive outlook on life.

All in all, self affirmations can be a powerful tool to ward off the anxious feeling that can come from negative thoughts.

Hopefully you found a few affirmations that spoke to you and can implement them into different areas of your life. Your affirmation practice will be a great way to practice self care!

Anxiety & Mental Health Guides