How to Start an Affirmations Practice That Actually Works

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Have you heard about affirmations and how powerful they can be? But getting started with an affirmations practice can feel a bit tricky, right? You might be wondering when to do them, where to fit them in, or even how to make it a habit that sticks - especially with a busy schedule. Well, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the basics of starting an affirmations practice, how to make it work for you, and how to fit it into your daily routine - even if you're always on the go.

What Are Affirmations Anyway?

Affirmations are simple, positive statements that you repeat to yourself to shift your mindset. They’re like little pep talks that help you focus on what you want to achieve, rather than what’s holding you back. For example, saying, "I am confident and capable" can help you reframe any self-doubt and push forward with a positive outlook.

The key to affirmations? Consistency. Saying them once or twice might feel nice in the moment, but to really see results, they need to become part of your daily routine.

How to Make Affirmations Work for You

Affirmations are highly personal, so it’s important to create ones that resonate with where you are in life and what you’re aiming to achieve. Here are a few steps to help you get started:

1. Choose Affirmations That Align With Your Goals: Whether you're focusing on self-confidence, positivity, or manifesting new opportunities, pick affirmations that feel meaningful to you. For example:

   • I am worthy of love and respect.

   • I attract opportunities that align with my purpose.

   • I am confident in my abilities and trust my decisions.

2. Say Them in the Present Tense: Your affirmations should ideally be in the present tense, as though the reality you're aiming for is already true. This helps your mind align with the belief that the change you seek is happening right now.

3. Feel Your Affirmations: It’s not just about saying the words—you need to feel them. If you're affirming, "I am rich," but deep down you're feeling financially stressed, it can be tough to believe it. The key is to tap into the feeling behind the affirmation. Imagine what it would feel like to be abundant or successful, and hold onto that emotion. When you add feeling to your affirmations, they become more powerful, helping you shift your mindset and attract what you’re aiming for.

4. Visualize While You Repeat Them: When repeating your affirmations, visualize the outcomes you're working towards. This added layer helps strengthen the connection between your thoughts and your actions.

When and Where to Practice Your Affirmations

A big question is, "When should I practice affirmations?" The beauty of affirmations is that they can be practiced anytime, anywhere. But to make them part of your routine, here are some ideas:

• Tack with Other Self-Care Practices: If you already have a self-care routine that includes journaling, meditation, or yoga, affirmations can be a seamless addition. Try incorporating affirmations during or after these practices—whether you're reflecting in your journal, meditating on your breath, or holding a pose in yoga. By pairing affirmations with activities that already center and ground you, you'll amplify their impact. It’s an easy way to stack habits and ensure that your affirmations become a regular part of your wellness routine.

• First Thing in the Morning: Start your day on a positive note by repeating affirmations as soon as you wake up. This sets the tone for a positive mindset throughout the day. Bonus points if you say them in front of a mirror for added self-empowerment!

• Before Bedtime: Reflect on your day and use affirmations to set intentions for tomorrow. This is a calming way to end the day and ensures that your mind is in a good place before you sleep.

• During Your Commute or Daily Walk: If you commute to work, repeat your affirmations while driving, taking the train, or walking. Turn it into a meditative moment and use that time to focus on the positive.

• At Work: Take short affirmation breaks throughout the day. Maybe after completing a task or when you're feeling stressed, step away for a minute and repeat your affirmations.

Fitting Affirmations Into a Busy Schedule

If your schedule feels jam-packed, don’t worry—you can still fit affirmations into your day. Here are some tips for making it work:

1. Set a Reminder: Schedule your affirmations like you would any other important task. Set reminders on your phone to repeat them, so even during your busiest days, you won’t forget. (Or use Breath * Affirm Affirmations App to remind you, see more in the next section)

2. Pair Affirmations with Other Daily Habits: One trick is to combine affirmations with something you already do. For example, repeat them while brushing your teeth, making your morning coffee, or during your skincare routine.

3. Use Technology: There are apps (like Breath * Affirm, which combines affirmations with mindful breathing!) that can send you reminders and guide you through your affirmations practice, making it easier to stay on track even on busy days.

4. Start Small: If you're short on time, start with just one or two affirmations a day. You don’t need to carve out large chunks of time—sometimes, a few seconds are all you need to center yourself.

Breath * Affirm Affirmations App Is Here to Help

Consistency is Key - As with any habit, consistency is what makes affirmations stick. If you want to see real change, commit to repeating your affirmations daily. Over time, you'll notice a shift in how you think, act, and feel. Affirmations are a powerful tool, but they only work if you keep showing up for yourself.

If you’re ready to start a consistent affirmations practice and take your affirmation practice to the next level, Breath * Affirm is here to support you. Our app combines affirmations with mindful breathing exercises, making it easy to incorporate these positive statements into your busy schedule. You can set notifications to receive affirmations throughout the day, in categories that matter most to you—whether it’s confidence, self-love, or positivity.

With Breath * Affirm, you'll not only repeat affirmations, but you’ll also pair them with calming breathwork, helping you stay grounded and focused as you shift your mindset. No matter how busy your day gets, we’re here to make sure you can prioritize your mental well-being.

Now that you’ve got the tools, you can start your affirmations practice today! A few words each day can lead to powerful changes. So why not give it a try? You’ve got this.