Positive Affirmations for Stress and Anxiety: How to Use Them Effectively

Joyful Living

May 23

If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know that I’m a big believer in the power of positive affirmations. I teach about them in my group programmes, recommend them to my coaching clients, and have seen them radically transform my own mindset and outlook on life.

What Are Positive Affirmations for Stress and Anxiety?

Positive affirmations are simple but powerful statements that help shift your mindset, replacing negative thoughts with more constructive and uplifting ones. These affirmations can be spoken, written, or repeated in your mind, helping to rewire thought patterns and cultivate a more optimistic perspective.

You can use positive affirmations to address various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal development. When practiced consistently, affirmations help reduce stress and anxiety, build resilience, and enhance overall well-being.

Do Positive Affirmations for Stress and Anxiety Actually Work?

One of the most common questions I hear is, “Do positive affirmations actually work?” It’s natural to be sceptical, especially if you’re used to being hard on yourself. In the UK, self-deprecation can feel like second nature, but shifting towards self-compassion can be life-changing.

The good news? Science backs the effectiveness of affirmations. Research has shown that practising self-affirmations can reduce stress, improve problem-solving under pressure, and enhance self-esteem. For example, studies have found that reflecting on personal strengths before a challenging task—such as a job interview or performance review—can boost confidence and increase the likelihood of success.

Positive affirmations aren’t about ignoring life’s challenges or expecting miracles overnight. Instead, they help you develop a more positive, resilient mindset, allowing you to navigate difficulties with greater ease and confidence.

How to Use Positive Affirmations for Stress and Anxiety

If you’re ready to give affirmations a go, here’s how to make them a meaningful part of your daily routine:

Choose Affirmations That Resonate With You Think about the thoughts and worries that frequently occupy your mind. Are there certain negative beliefs that hold you back? The best affirmations are personal and address the specific areas where you need encouragement.
Use the Present Tense Instead of saying, “I will be calm under pressure,” say, “I am calm and in control.” This helps reinforce the belief that you are already embodying these qualities.
Keep Them Positive Rather than focusing on what you don’t want, frame affirmations around what you do want. For example, instead of saying, “I won’t let stress overwhelm me,” try, “I am strong and capable of handling challenges.”
Repeat Them Regularly Repetition is key to rewiring thought patterns. Say your affirmations out loud, write them in a journal, or even set them as reminders on your phone. The more you practice, the more natural these thoughts will become.
Engage With the Emotion Behind Them Simply repeating words isn’t enough. Try to truly feel the meaning behind each affirmation. Visualise yourself embodying the statement and notice how it shifts your energy and mood.