Most of us are aware of the importance of regular exercise and good nutrition on our health. But there’s another aspect of wellness that we don’t always give the same time, attention and priority to: How we feel and think about ourselves.
I’ve battled low self-esteem and negative self-talk my whole life. No doubt, this was tied into my struggles with emotional eating, weight and exercise all those years as well.
Negative self-talk is a destructive habit. But the good news is, like any bad habit it can be overcome if we’re willing to work on it.
One way to flip negative self-talk into positive is by saying affirmations out loud. It may feel silly and unnatural at first. You may not even believe the positive things you are saying about yourself. That’s okay. Say them anyway. Sometimes, we have to “call things on faith” and they eventually do come true. Your words and thoughts have power. They can help change the inner dialogue to one of self-compassion and love, rather than hate.
Research has shown that self-affirmations cause positive reactions in the brain and can decrease stress, increase wellbeing and make people more open to behavior change.
Saying a few affirmations may seem like a small thing. But like any other aspect of a healthy lifestyle journey, small steps can lead toward big changes. Never doubt the power of small. Small steps are the foundation of lasting habit change, because small things are doable.
September is National Self-Care Awareness month, so I’ve put together 30 days of “I am…” affirmations for self-love and care. Print the chart of affirmations, and post it somewhere visible to remind you. On day one, say the first one. On day two, say the first and second one. And so on, until you get to the end. Repeat your affirmations several times throughout the day.
I’m going to be doing this all month. Won’t you join me?
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, please consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional. It may be covered by your health insurance, so why not check into it.
©Michelle Rogers
