The Power of Affirmations: What They Are, Why They Work, and 5 to Use Today
We’ve all had those days - when self-doubt creeps in, your energy dips, and the world feels a little heavy. But what if a few words could shift your mindset, uplift your spirit, and gently guide your thoughts back to a more positive place?
That’s the power of affirmations.
And no, it’s not just feel-good fluff - there’s real research to back it up. Let’s explore what affirmations are, how they work, and how to start using them today to boost confidence, cultivate self-love, and create a more mindful, empowered life.
What Are Affirmations?
Affirmations are positive, intentional statements that you repeat to yourself, silently or out loud, to help shift your mindset and rewire limiting beliefs. They often focus on self-worth, resilience, love, abundance, or healing. Think of them as little reminders of who you really are beneath the noise.
They’re not magic spells, and they’re not about denying hard feelings. Instead, affirmations gently train your mind to notice possibility over limitation, kindness over criticism, and peace over chaos.
At The Positive Label, we believe in the power of words worn and spoken - that what you say to yourself matters just as much as what you wear. That’s why so many of our designs include hand-painted mantras and symbolic art: wearable affirmations for your everyday life.
Do Affirmations Actually Work?
Yes! And we have the science to back it up.
Studies have shown that affirmations activate the brain's reward system, supporting positive emotion and resilience. One study published in the Journal of Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that self-affirmation activates the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain associated with self-related processing and reward.
Another study in Psychological Science showed that affirmations can help reduce stress, improve academic performance, and increase problem-solving abilities under pressure.
Most importantly, affirmations can help:
- Reduce negative self-talk
- Increase feelings of self-worth and empowerment
- Support long-term behaviour change
- Promote more mindful and compassionate thinking
And here's the key: they work best when repeated consistently, spoken with intention, and aligned with your personal values.
How to Use Affirmations in Daily Life
There’s no perfect way to use affirmations - what matters is creating a practice that feels personal and sustainable. Here are a few ways to gently weave affirmations into your day:
1. Morning Ritual
Start your day with one positive affirmation. Say it aloud while brushing your teeth, looking in the mirror, or pulling on your favourite Positive Label sweatshirt. This helps set the tone for the hours ahead.
2. Write It Down
Journaling an affirmation can deepen its impact. Try writing your chosen mantra five times each morning or evening. Let the words land softly, not as a chore, but a check-in.
3. Wear Your Words
Affirmations aren’t just for saying, they’re for wearing, too. Choosing a positive sweatshirt with a soul-lifting phrase can turn your outfit into a subtle but powerful mindset tool. It’s like carrying a gentle reminder on your chest, for yourself and those around you.
4. Breathe It In
When you feel stressed or anxious, pause. Take a deep breath. Repeat your affirmation slowly on the exhale. This creates a moment of grounding and connection.
5. Keep It Visible
Sticky notes on your mirror, reminders on your phone, or even a printed card in your wallet - visual cues help anchor your affirmation throughout the day.
5 Affirmations to Start Using Today
Here are five gentle but powerful affirmations to begin with. Feel free to repeat, adapt, or create your own:
-
I am grounded, calm, and present in this moment.
A beautiful one for easing stress or anxiety. -
I trust the timing of my life and honour where I am.
Especially helpful during times of uncertainty or change. -
I am worthy of joy, peace, and deep self-love.
A reminder for days when you need to come back to yourself. -
Everything I need is already within me.
Perfect when imposter syndrome creeps in or confidence wavers. -
I choose to move through my day with intention and light.
A morning mantra that pairs beautifully with your favourite Positive Label piece.
Let Your Words Be an Anchor
Whether you're new to affirmations or already scribble them in your journal, remember this: affirmations are not about pretending everything’s okay; they’re about choosing kindness, softness, and possibility in how you speak to yourself.
Some days, that might feel easy. Other days, it might feel like a stretch. Both are okay. What matters is that you come back, again and again, to words that feel like home.
And if you’re ever in need of a little wearable encouragement, our positive clothing is always here to wrap you in reminders of your strength, your softness, and your beautiful becoming. Always remember:
You are your own safe space.
You are your own light.
You are enough, always.
Want more?
💫 How to Start a Feel-Good Morning Routine
👚 How to Build a Positive Capsule Wardrobe That Feels Like You
🧘 What is Mindfulness? A Gentle Guide to Presence and Peace