MIRROR MIRROR…

VIWE NDONGENI-NTLEBI

MIRROR MIRROR…

AFFIRMATIONS are positive reminders or statements that can be used to encourage and motivate oneself or others. Often it’s a easier to affirm others than it is ourselves, but we need to remember to encourage ourselves as well.

Studies show that doing so not only combats stress but also, using uplifting language can boost your overall health.

A 2009 study on Positive Self-Statements “Power for Some, Peril for Others” showed that positive self-statements are widely believed to boost mood and self-esteem, yet their effectiveness has not been demonstrated. The study examined the contrary prediction that positive selfstatements can be ineffective or even harmful.

It confirmed that people often use positive selfstatements and believe them to be effective. Two experiments showed that among participants with low self-esteem, those who repeated a positive selfstatement (“I’m a lovable person”) or who focused on how that statement was true felt worse than those who did not repeat the statement or who focused on how it was both true and not true.

Among participants with high self-esteem, those who repeated the statement or focused on how it was true felt better than those who did not, but to a limited degree.

Repeating positive selfstatements may benefit certain people, but backfire for people who “need” them the most.

Here are some affirmations you can use on a daily basis from the Blissful Mind.

◆ I create a safe and secure space for myself wherever I am.

◆ I give myself permission to do what is right for me.

◆ I am confident in my ability to [fill in the blank].

◆ I use my time and talents to help others [fill in the blank].

◆ What I love about myself is my ability to [fill in the blank].

◆ I feel proud of myself when I [fill in the blank].

◆ I give myself space to grow and learn.

◆ I allow myself to be who I am without judgement.

◆ I listen to my intuition and trust my inner guide.

◆ I accept my emotions and let them serve their purpose.

◆ I give myself the care and attention that I deserve.

STUDIES show that affirmations not only help to combat stress, using uplifting language can boost your overall health. – and practising this in front of a mirror enhances the effect. | Pexels