35 Positive Affirmations To Say Each Day

You’ve probably heard the saying: “If you can believe it, you can achieve it.” But is there science behind speaking what you want into existence? Positive affirmations aren’t a magic fix. But they can help reshape your mindset, boost self-confidence and quiet negative self-talk.

What are positive affirmations?

Positive affirmations are short phrases you repeat to yourself to help build self-worth and resilience. You can say them aloud or in your head. They’re a way to push back against negative thoughts that can sometimes take over and make you doubt yourself.

“We live in a society where it’s easy to get bogged down with lots of negativity,” says psychologist Lauren Alexander, PhD. “Positive affirmations help counter that by changing the things that we say to ourselves.”

You can create a positive affirmation out of anything — even a negative thought. If you’re feeling weighed down by thoughts like “I can’t do this,” just flip it around to “I can do this.” Then, you’ve got a great positive affirmation to stick onto your mirror. Every affirmation should feel personal. Find what feels right for you.

“It could be something positive about a certain quality or a good choice you’ve made, or just something affirming of your self-worth,” Dr. Alexander suggests.

35 positive affirmations to try

If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of simple, impactful statements to kick off your positive affirmation journey. But we recommend adding your own twist to make them feel more genuine.

Here are some examples of positive affirmations to try based on what you may need:

For self-love and acceptance:
1. “I am enough just as I am.”
2. “I honor and respect my feelings.”
3. “I love myself unconditionally.”
4. “I accept all parts of myself without judgment.”
5. “I choose to treat myself with care and softness.”
6. “I am worthy of love, joy and happiness.”

For overcoming hardships:
1. “My feelings make me uncomfortable right now, but I can accept them.”
2. “I am strong enough to handle what’s happening to me right now.”
3. “This situation is difficult, but I have the skills and abilities to deal with it.”
4. “I can ride this out and not let it get to me.”
5. “I can honor my discomfort while moving forward with a solution.”
6. “I’ve survived other situations like this, and I’ll survive this one, too.”

For confidence and self-esteem:
1. “I trust in my abilities to succeed.”
2. “I am strong, capable and resilient.”
3. “I have the power to create positive change.”
4. “I radiate confidence and courage.”
5. “I believe in myself and my journey.”
6. “I am becoming the best version of myself every day.”

For stress and anxiety relief:
1. “I let go of what I cannot control.”
2. “I am calm, centered and at peace.”
3. “I choose peace over worry.”
4. “I breathe in relaxation and breathe out tension.”
5. “I let go of negative thoughts and embrace tranquility.”
6. “I trust everything will work out as it’s meant to.”

For gratitude and positivity
1. “I am grateful for this moment and everything it offers.”
2. “I choose to see the good in myself and others.”
3. “My life is full of blessings, big and small.”
4. “I attract positivity and share it with those around me.”
5. “I focus on what I can control and let go of the rest.”
6. “Today, I choose joy, kindness and gratitude.”
7. “I appreciate the beauty and abundance of life all around me.”

Do affirmations work?

Positive thinking can boost your mood and mental health when practiced regularly.

“If we want to make less room for the negative thoughts, we have to practice positive thoughts intentionally,” Dr. Alexander notes. The thoughts we think the most are the ones that take root in our brains, she explains.

Does this mean self-affirmations will work every time? Not necessarily. But it requires practice to push back on our usual way of thinking. Instead of affirming your negative thoughts, you’re affirming the positive ones, which can be easier said than done.

How to work them into your routine

There are several ways to use positive affirmations in your daily routine. A quick tip: Make sure you speak in the present tense with each one.

Dr. Alexander shares ideas for when and how to say your affirmations:

• Speak it into existence. When is the last time you complimented yourself out loud? “Sometimes, hearing things out loud is more impactful than saying them in your mind,” Dr. Alexander says.
• Write it down. Write down these statements on notecards or sticky notes and post them on your desk, nightstand or fridge. This way, they’re greeting you at every point throughout your day. You can also use positive affirmations as part of a daily journaling practice.
• Use digital reminders. Our lives can sometimes be too tied to our phones, so why not use them for good? Save your affirmations in an app on your phone. Set a daily reminder to read or repeat them.
• Pair with physical activities. Repeat affirmations while walking, doing yoga or right before a workout. Pairing movement with affirmations helps them sink in. Try statements like: “I am strong. My body is powerful. I am grateful for my health.”
• Include them in your meditation or breathwork practice. As you inhale and exhale, pair each breath with a positive thought. When you inhale, say: “I breathe in peace.” When you exhale, say: “I release stress.”
• Add them to your bedtime routine. Before bed, reflect on the day and affirm positive thoughts. Example: “I did my best today, and I am proud of myself,” or “I release today’s worries. I trust in a peaceful night’s rest.”

Final thoughts

Positive affirmations help you stay strong and believe in yourself during difficult times. They can help train your brain, embrace gratitude and get in a more positive mindset.

“Life can certainly be miserable at times, and we can’t always change the stressors accounting for that misery,” Dr. Alexander explains. “But our way of thinking during those miserable times can stagnate or help us move forward.”

However, if you can’t seem to shake persistent feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem, there’s no shame in that. If positive affirmations aren’t cutting it lately, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional who can help you find new ways to cope.