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January 15th, 2023

The Science Behind Positive Affirmations: Why They Work

Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

Positive affirmations are short, positive statements that are repeated to oneself with the intention of creating a more positive mindset and attitude. They are often used as a tool for personal development and self-improvement, and can be a powerful tool for overcoming negative thoughts and self-doubt. But how exactly do positive affirmations work, and what is the science behind them?

One theory is that positive affirmations work by changing the way we think and feel about ourselves. When we repeat positive affirmations to ourselves, we are essentially replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. This process is known as "cognitive reframing," and it involves changing the way we interpret and respond to events and situations in our lives. By reframing our thoughts and focusing on the positive, we can shift our mindset from negative to positive and cultivate a more optimistic outlook.

For example, if you tend to focus on your flaws and imperfections, repeating the affirmation "I am worthy and deserving of love and happiness" can help you reframe your thoughts and focus on your positive qualities and worth as a person. Over time, this can lead to an overall shift in your mindset and a more positive outlook on life.

Another theory is that positive affirmations work by activating the "law of attraction." This law states that we attract into our lives whatever we focus on, whether it be positive or negative. By focusing on positive affirmations and repeating them to ourselves, we can attract more positivity into our lives.

For example, if you repeat the affirmation "I am surrounded by positivity and prosperity," you may find that you start to notice more positive things happening in your life and experience more abundance and prosperity. This is because you are focusing your energy and attention on positive outcomes, which can help attract more positivity into your life.

But don't just take our word for it – there is scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of positive affirmations. A study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences found that individuals who practiced positive affirmations had higher levels of self-esteem and were more likely to engage in positive behaviors, such as exercising and volunteering. Another study published in the journal Science found that positive affirmations can improve performance on a variety of tasks, including public speaking and math problem-solving.

If you're looking to incorporate positive affirmations into your daily routine, be sure to check out AffirMe, the app that delivers daily positive affirmations right to your phone. With AffirMe, you can start your day off with a boost of positivity and set the tone for a great day. Our app features a variety of affirmations covering different themes, such as self-love, gratitude, confidence, and more, so you can find the perfect affirmations to fit your needs.