Can Positive Affirmations Truly Boost Mental Well-being?

The fast-paced rhythm of modern-day society can often take a toll on our mental well-being, causing us to feel drained or overwhelmed. These effects are often heightened when we lack sufficient time to de-stress. To combat this challenge, one easy but powerful trick is to regularly throw in some positive affirmations into our routine. Although it might sound simple, positive affirmations can impact the way we navigate the challenges and joys of our everyday experiences.

Read on as we further explore what affirmations are and how using them daily can lead to the betterment of one's mental health.

What are affirmations?

Affirmations are a self-help strategy that promotes self-confidence and allows you to put more stock on your own abilities. You have probably affirmed yourself many times before without even realizing it by telling yourself things like "I can do this," "I have what it takes," or "All I can do is my best."

These empowering statements can be incredibly helpful in shifting your focus away from inadequacies or perceived failures and toward your strengths instead. But do they work and, more importantly, positively affect one's mental well-being?

According to research, affirmations generally work as a tool for shifting your mindset and influencing different behavioral changes for the better, placing yourself in a better position to achieve your goals. Thus, positive affirmations can also be beneficial for those who struggle with depression, anxiety, or self-esteem issues. That said, it is best not to think of them as a silver bullet for instant success or healing.

Are positive affirmations effective? 

Research studies have shown that positive affirmations can: 

● Reduce stress

● Improve academic performance

● Make you more receptive to behavioral changes

These effects stem from affirming your self-worth by gaining a broader view of yourself and reflecting on your core values. Once you get into the habit of repeating positive affirmations to yourself regularly, you will soon reshape how you feel and think about yourself over time. The science behind this involves the countless neurons in your brain. Whenever you think of something, neurons send electrical impulses along the neural pathways in your brain, making the former more sensitive and the latter much stronger.

Therefore, when you repeatedly think about something, you become accustomed to falling into that same line of thinking in the future. Positive affirmations, however, are more geared towards disrupting negative thinking habits and building new routes in your brain for positive thoughts. In time, positive thought patterns appear, which, in turn, influence your actions and can significantly aid you in improving relationships, succeeding at work, and learning new skills.

Affirmations still require action and may not always work

While affirmations can do wonders in boosting your confidence and motivation, it is essential to complement them with proactive steps and take initiative. Hence, it is best to think of affirmations as not the change itself but rather a huge step towards it. In other words, affirmations serve as a powerful springboard, but the actual change is driven by your own actions and efforts.

Moreover, contrary to what some people believe, positive thinking is not as all-powerful as it seems, so affirmations may not work for everyone. Negative thoughts and ideas about the self can hold us back, but oftentimes, these thoughts stem from something that dwells much deeper within.

How can counselling help?

Uncovering past experiences that are the root cause of your deeply etched patterns of negative thinking is best achieved with the help of professional counseling services or therapy. The importance of counselling in Singapore becomes evident in addressing these issues. Lastly, keep in mind that these negative thought patterns, compounded by low self-esteem, may relate to mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression.

A psychologist, psychotherapist, or in-person and online counselling in Singapore can help you better identify potential causes of unwanted or negative thoughts and explore helpful coping strategies that may include positive affirmations and other tools and techniques.