Positive Affirmations - Myth or Truth?

At times we hear, that a friend or colleague has been using positive affirmations to improve XYZ situation in their life. But unfortunately, it has not been working the way it is claimed or does not work at all for a few.

So, should we assume that Positive Affirmations are not true? Or is it doable by only a select few? Let us in this article understand the science and the myths and facts about Positive Affirmations.

Positive Affirmation is nothing but using positive statements or phrases to challenge negative thoughts. E.g., “I am Successful,” “I am a wonderful person,” etc. This is one of the self-help strategies, which helps promote self-confidence and strengthen our belief in our own abilities.

Positive Affirmation is no magic. It is pretty much science, and extensive research has been conducted through the years on this by Psychologists. It is based on the Self Affirmation theory published by Psychologist Claude Steele in the 1980s. It talks about how individuals react/adapt to information or experiences that are threatening to themselves.

It further says that if individuals reflect on personally relevant values, they are less likely to experience distress and react defensively when confronted with information that contradicts or threatens themselves.

The science behind Positive Affirmations:

Our brain is a complex organ. It stores ample data, right from our birth! It (brain) can change and adapt to different situations. At times brain mixes up the real and imagination, which can be beneficial at times.

Positive Affirmations build an imaginative situation that activates the brain area activated when we experience those situations. E.g., when we think that we are bungee jumping to conquer the fear of heights, the brain thinks that is what we have done, which is beneficial to overcome the fear of heights.

Benefits of Positive Affirmation during Pandemic:

During the ongoing Pandemic, along with the physical illness or discomfort majority of the population has also been feeling the effect on mental health. Positive affirmations can help stay calm and composed, reduce the panic state, and be optimistic. It may also improve immune. But that doesn’t mean we would stop following the basic hygiene prescribed or consulting a specialist when required.

How to make the affirmations work for you?

1. Practice and patience: This is an ongoing process that needs to be done daily. It would be a few days, weeks, or months before you see the results.

2. Start with 3 – 5 minutes: No one asks us to sit for 30 minutes straight and practice affirmation. At the start, 5 minutes can be utilized twice to get in the flow.

3. Repeat affirmations at least a few times: Listen yourself, breathe in the affirmations and breathe out negativity.

4. Get help: Ask someone to repeat your affirmations. Listening to affirmations reinstates the belief in us.

5. Combine it with other goal-setting techniques: E.g., visualization may help clarify what you are saying.