Why are we so passionate about mental health? Well, we know Social Media plays an essential role in today’s world, and we love all the opportunities content creators have access to through it.
On the flip side, we also know that Social Media use can be linked to higher anxiety rates. As advocates of (proper) Social Media, we also need to be advocates for protecting mental health.
Have you noticed that it can be difficult to do anything with passion and excitement if you are feeling anxious? Anxiety can make creativity feel impossible, connections meaningless, and it ultimately can control your life - if you let it.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to take charge of your mind and manage anxiety! Today we want to talk about one method; positive affirmations.
Let’s dive in!
Why Positive Affirmations Help Overcome Anxiety
Positive affirmations are statements or mantras said to self daily. Repeating affirmations has a soothing effect on the brain, especially when dealing with anxiety, and can help take control of your thoughts.
So why do positive affirmations work? We don’t want to get too science-y, but affirmations force your brain to form new positive neural pathways. What do we mean by this? Well, the thoughts you let yourself think have a physical effect on your brain. No literally. Thanks to neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form neural pathways), the things you repeatedly tell yourself will literally shift how your brain operates.
If you constantly live in worst-case scenarios and let your anxiety take over, your brain will adapt. Eventually, the part of the brain that feels and processes stress will take over, meaning your brain will be primed to feel anxious constantly.
But, by practicing positive affirmations, you can take control of your thoughts and form positive neuro pathways in your brain instead.
So forget the saying “you are what you eat”… you really are what you think!
Choosing Your Anti-Anxiety Affirmations
There is no right or wrong way of picking affirmations. Some people write their own; others choose ones they see online or in books. Whatever you connect with the most is the right choice for you!
Check out this list of simple anxiety-fighting affirmations posted by Medical News Today;
- I am safe and not threatened.
- I am in no physical danger.
- I am confident and relaxed.
- I feel comfortable in crowds.
- There is no obstacle that I cannot overcome.
- I am carefree.
- I stay calm in new situations.
- I feel in control.
- I am strong and brave.
These are perfect examples of simple but powerful statements that challenge many common anxiety-driven thoughts.
Affirmations may feel unrealistic or downright dumb when you begin to utilize them, but over time, as your brain adapts to this new form of thinking, they will become a reality. Before you know it, you will begin to believe what you are telling yourself.
Choose two or three from the list above, or research your own and write them down to use later!
How to Implement Positive Affirmations
You may not feel comfortable trying out affirmations in public, and that’s totally fine; we don’t do that either. Instead, find a way to incorporate affirmations into your daily routine. And most importantly, do so in a way you can be consistent with.
A popular practice is to repeat your affirmations to yourself in the mirror as soon as you wake up in the morning, as well as when you go to bed at night. This way, you are starting and ending your day with positivity.
You also might consider using your affirmations before going into an anxiety-provoking situation. Maybe you are about to pitch to your favorite brand; take five minutes beforehand and review your affirmations. If you hate flying, repeat your affirmations before you board. The idea is to utilize your affirmations before anxiety has a chance to even kick in.
This practice is all about longevity and working it into your schedule. Figure out what is best for you, stick to it, and take note of how you feel.
Conclusion
Anxiety is a bitch, no doubt about it. It can make us feel trapped in our stressed minds thinking there is no way out.
We wholeheartedly believe you cannot reach your full potential as an individual or a content creator when anxiety is ruling your thoughts. But the good news is there are so many anxiety management methods that can help you regain control of your thoughts. Positive affirmations are a wonderful way to start.
What are some tactics you use? Let us know!
