120 Positive Affirmations to Use Daily to Improve Mental Health

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Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by Jess Brown

Have you ever caught yourself in a spiral of negative thoughts, wondering how to break free? You’re not alone. Our minds often default to negative thinking, but there’s a powerful tool that can help: positive affirmations. Positive daily affirmations are powerful statements that can transform your mindset and create positive neural pathways.

In this post, we’ll explore how these simple phrases can have a profound impact on your mental health, and I’ll share 120 affirmations you can start using today to transform your mindset and boost your overall wellbeing.

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The Power of Our Thoughts and Positive Affirmations for Mental Wellness

Positive affirmations are more than just feel-good statements; they’re a practice rooted in neuroscience and psychology. By consciously choosing positive thoughts and repeating them regularly, we can create new neural pathways in our brains, literally rewiring our thought patterns over time. This isn’t just about thinking happy thoughts – it’s about reshaping our unconscious mind to support our best self.

The law of attraction plays a role here, too. When we focus on positive outcomes and maintain an abundance mindset, we’re more likely to notice opportunities and take actions that align with our goals. It’s like tuning a radio to pick up the frequency of success and happiness.

The Science Behind Our Thoughts

Before we dive into the affirmations themselves, it’s crucial to understand what we’re up against in our own minds. The numbers are pretty staggering:

It’s estimated that we have between 50,000 and 70,000 thoughts per day. Here’s the kicker: 98% of those thoughts are exactly the same as the day before. And even more surprisingly, 80% of our daily thoughts are negative.

Let that sink in for a moment. We’re essentially recycling the same negative thoughts day after day. Our brains are hard-wired to focus more on negative things than positive ones, a trait that served us well thousands of years ago when physical threats were a regular part of everyday life. Unfortunately, even though we don’t face the same dangers today, we’re still operating with the negative mindset of our early ancestors.

This negativity bias isn’t just a matter of feeling down. Our thoughts generate vibrational frequencies that ripple out into the Universe, attracting corresponding events and situations back into our lives. In other words, our thoughts really do become things.

But here’s the good news: we can change this pattern. By consciously choosing positive affirmations, we can alter the vibrational frequencies we’re putting out into the universe. This is how we can start attracting the great things we’ve always wanted, but didn’t think we could have.

I’m living proof of this transformation. I used to be an extremely negative person, and because of that, I experienced a lot of unfortunate circumstances. But by deliberately changing my thought patterns through affirmations, I’ve been able to turn my life around.

This is why affirmations are so powerful. They’re not just feel-good statements; they’re a tool for reprogramming our subconscious minds and changing the very fabric of our reality. By replacing those repetitive negative thoughts with positive ones, we can literally reshape our lives from the inside out.

My Personal Journey with Positive Affirmations

You might be wondering, “Do these affirmations really work?” I had the same doubts when I first started, but my experience has been truly transformative.

One day, I had an epiphany: I could actually choose my daily intentions, thoughts and feelings. I realized I was the only one in control of my life and how things unfold. This is an important first step when it comes to building greater awareness of your thoughts.

Soon after I started repeating positive affirmations to myself daily, my life began to shift—and fast. I’ve been amazed by the power of these simple statements. Through this practice, I’ve learned to manifest incredible things in my life, time and time again. My whole life changed for the better.

Now, you might be thinking, this all sounds fine and good, but it won’t work for you. I get that, I totally do.

The first few times I repeated affirmations, it felt incredibly corny. I knew I didn’t believe what I was saying at all. This is normal—our brains don’t like to hold two conflicting beliefs simultaneously, so most people’s minds initially reject positive affirmations.

For example, one of the first affirmations I used was, “Money flows to me easily, freely and from everywhere.” At the time, this felt laughable. But I stuck with it, and over time, I began to see real changes in my financial situation.

The key is persistence. Even if it feels uncomfortable or unbelievable at first, keep going. Your brain will gradually adapt to these new, positive thought patterns, and you’ll start to see the effects in your daily life.

Understanding Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations are kind words and positive phrases we use to challenge negative self-talk and promote a positive mindset. They’re designed to challenge negative beliefs and promote positive thinking. For example, instead of “I’m not good enough,” you might affirm, “I am worthy and capable.”

The self-affirmation theory, developed by psychologist Claude Steele, suggests that we can maintain a positive self-image by affirming our values in different areas of our lives. This isn’t about denying reality or avoiding difficult situations; it’s about approaching challenges with a more constructive mindset.

Benefits of Daily Positive Affirmations

Incorporating positive affirmations into your daily routine can yield many health benefits. Regular practice can reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and even boost physical health. One lesser-known benefit is the impact on decision-making. When we affirm our values and capabilities, we’re more likely to make choices aligned with our long-term goals rather than succumbing to short-term pressures.

In daily life, affirmations can serve as a mental anchor, helping us navigate stressful situations with more grace and resilience. They’re like daily reminders of our inner strength and potential. Regular practice of self-affirmation can lead to more positive experiences and emotions in your daily life.

Overcoming Negative Thought Patterns

We all have an inner critic, that voice that feeds us negative self-talk and unhelpful thoughts. The first step is becoming aware of your thoughts and recognizing when you’re stuck in an ‘impossible’ mindset or negative outlook. Affirmations are a direct counter to this internal negativity. By consciously choosing positive statements, we can interrupt the automatic cycle of negative thinking.

Here’s a little-known technique: when you catch yourself in negative self-talk, try saying “cancel, cancel” out loud, then replace the thought with a positive affirmation. This pattern interrupt can be surprisingly effective in breaking the chain of negative thoughts.

On a positive note, when facing relationship problems or other challenging circumstances, affirmations can be particularly useful. They help you maintain a positive outlook even when dealing with hard things. Outlook and attitude alone can make such a difference in how quickly you can move past the difficult situation in my experience.

Creating an Effective Affirmation Practice Creates Positive Emotions

The best way to start with affirmations is to make them personal and meaningful to you. These serve as positive reminders throughout your single day. Here are some tips:

  1. Use the present tense, as if the statement is already true.
  2. Make them specific and actionable.
  3. Include emotions to make them more powerful.
  4. Keep them short and easy to remember.

Try incorporating affirmations into your daily routine. A great way to reinforce your affirmations is by writing them on sticky notes and placing them where you’ll see them often, like on your bathroom mirror or computer screen. These serve as positive reminders throughout your single day.

Consider starting a morning affirmation practice. Standing in front of a mirror and repeating your positive self-affirmations can set positive intentions for the day and help you face difficult situations with a sense of inner peace. This ritual can set you up for an amazing day ahead. By incorporating affirmations into your daily morning routine, you’re programming your mind for positivity right from the start.

Colorful outer space scene with quote text that reads "Every thought we think is creating our future." - Louise Hay manifesteveryday.com

120 Positive Affirmations for Different Areas of Life

To help kick-start your affirmation practice, I’ve curated a comprehensive list of 120 examples of positive affirmations covering various aspects of life. Each one is designed to promote good thoughts and positive energy. These carefully crafted statements are designed to inspire and guide you, whether you’re new to affirmations or looking to expand your existing practice.

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Each category addresses an important aspect of personal well-being and growth, from self-love to career success. Use these affirmations as they are, or let them spark ideas for creating your own personalized statements. Remember, the most effective affirmations are those that resonate deeply with your own goals and values.

As you explore this list of affirmations, pay attention to which ones evoke the strongest emotional response. These are likely the areas where positive reinforcement can have the most profound impact on your life. Each one is a powerful statement designed to promote good thoughts and positive energy.Let’s dive into these transformative words of empowerment:

Self-Love and Self-Acceptance

  1. I am worthy of love and respect.
  2. I accept myself completely as I am.
  3. My imperfections make me unique and beautiful.
  4. I am enough, just as I am.
  5. I choose to be kind to myself today and every day.
  6. I forgive myself for past mistakes and learn from them.
  7. I am deserving of all the good things life has to offer.
  8. My self-worth is not determined by others’ opinions.
  9. I trust my intuition and inner wisdom.
  10. I am proud of who I am becoming.
  11. I radiate confidence, self-respect, and inner harmony.
  12. I embrace all aspects of myself with love and compassion.
  13. I am at peace with my past and excited for my future.
  14. I am worthy of my dreams and goals.
  15. I love and approve of myself unconditionally.

Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

  1. I choose peace over worry.
  2. My thoughts and feelings are valid.
  3. I am resilient and can handle any challenge.
  4. I release all negative emotions and embrace positivity.
  5. I am in control of my mental and emotional state.
  6. I choose to focus on the good in every situation.
  7. I am deserving of inner peace and joy.
  8. I am stronger than my anxious thoughts.
  9. I embrace change as an opportunity for growth.
  10. I am allowed to take time for my mental health.
  11. My happiness is a priority.
  12. I am creating a life filled with joy and contentment.
  13. I trust in my ability to overcome obstacles.
  14. I am worthy of a peaceful and fulfilling life.
  15. I choose to let go of what I cannot control.

Confidence and Self-Esteem

  1. I am confident in my abilities and decisions.
  2. I radiate confidence, self-respect, and inner harmony.
  3. I trust myself to make wise choices.
  4. I am capable of achieving greatness.
  5. My confidence grows stronger each day.
  6. I embrace new challenges with courage and determination.
  7. I am proud of my accomplishments, big and small.
  8. I speak up for myself and my needs.
  9. I am deserving of respect and admiration.
  10. My self-confidence is natural, justified, and unwavering.
  11. I believe in myself and my potential.
  12. I am comfortable being myself in all situations.
  13. I am worthy of success and happiness.
  14. I face my fears and grow stronger.
  15. I am confident in my unique gifts and talents.

Success and Career

  1. I am capable of achieving all my career goals.
  2. Success comes naturally to me in all that I do.
  3. I attract abundant opportunities in my career.
  4. I am worthy of professional success and fulfillment.
  5. My work makes a positive difference in the world.
  6. I confidently share my ideas and opinions at work.
  7. I embrace new challenges as opportunities for growth.
  8. I am deserving of recognition and advancement in my career.
  9. My skills and talents are valued and appreciated.
  10. I attract mentors and supporters who believe in my potential.
  11. I am open to new opportunities and possibilities in my career.
  12. I trust in my ability to succeed in all professional endeavors.
  13. I am constantly growing and improving in my career.
  14. I contribute unique value to my workplace.
  15. I balance my work and personal life with ease.

Relationships and Love

  1. I attract healthy and loving relationships.
  2. I am worthy of love and affection.
  3. I communicate my needs clearly and respectfully.
  4. I give and receive love freely and openly.
  5. My relationships are based on mutual respect and understanding.
  6. I attract people who appreciate and value me.
  7. I am deserving of a loving and supportive partner.
  8. I release toxic relationships with grace and ease.
  9. I am open to giving and receiving love.
  10. I trust in the timing of love in my life.
  11. I am confident in setting healthy boundaries in my relationships.
  12. I attract friendships that are positive and uplifting.
  13. I am deserving of respect and kindness in all my relationships.
  14. I forgive others and myself, allowing love to flow freely.
  15. I am grateful for the love and connections in my life.

Health and Fitness

  1. My body is healthy, strong, and full of energy.
  2. I make choices that support my physical wellbeing.
  3. I love and respect my body.
  4. I am committed to my health and fitness goals.
  5. My body is capable of amazing things.
  6. I nourish my body with healthy foods and positive thoughts.
  7. I enjoy moving my body and staying active.
  8. I prioritize self-care and rest.
  9. I am grateful for my body and all it does for me.
  10. I listen to my body’s needs and respond with love.
  11. I am becoming stronger and healthier each day.
  12. I have abundant energy to pursue my passions.
  13. I trust in my body’s natural healing abilities.
  14. I embrace a lifestyle of health and vitality.
  15. I am worthy of a healthy and vibrant life.

Abundance and Prosperity

  1. I am open to receiving abundance in all areas of my life.
  2. Money flows to me easily and effortlessly.
  3. I am worthy of financial success and security.
  4. I attract opportunities for prosperity and wealth.
  5. I am grateful for the abundance I already have in my life.
  6. My actions create constant prosperity.
  7. I release all negative beliefs about money.
  8. I trust in the universe to provide for my needs.
  9. I am a magnet for financial opportunities.
  10. I use my wealth to create positive change in the world.
  11. I have more than enough to share and spare.
  12. I am open to new avenues of income.
  13. My relationship with money is positive and healthy.
  14. I am deserving of a life of luxury and comfort.
  15. Abundance flows into my life in expected and unexpected ways.

Personal Growth and Learning

  1. I embrace lifelong learning and personal development.
  2. Every day, I am becoming a better version of myself.
  3. I am open to new ideas and perspectives.
  4. I turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
  5. I am constantly evolving and improving.
  6. I embrace change as a catalyst for personal growth.
  7. I am patient and persistent in pursuing my goals.
  8. I trust in my journey of self-discovery.
  9. I am committed to continuous self-improvement.
  10. I learn from my mistakes and grow stronger.
  11. I am open to feedback and use it to improve myself.
  12. I step out of my comfort zone to reach my full potential.
  13. I am creating the life of my dreams through personal growth.
  14. I embrace new experiences as opportunities to learn.
  15. I am becoming the best version of myself every day.

Making Affirmations Work for You

Personalization is key to the effectiveness of affirmations. While pre-written affirmations can be helpful, creating your own affirmations that resonate with your specific goals and challenges can be even more powerful.

Try this: Take a few minutes to write down your top three goals or challenges. Then create an affirmation for each that counters any negative beliefs you hold about them. For example, if you’re learning a new skill and often think “I’m not smart enough for this,” your affirmation might be, “I am capable of learning and mastering new skills.”

If this is your first time using affirmations, remember, affirmations use the power of words to build a positive mindset, shifting your focus to the good things in your life right now.

Common Misconceptions About Affirmations

One of the biggest misconceptions about affirmations is that they’re just about forcing positive thinking. This isn’t true, and can actually lead to toxic positivity if taken to extremes. Effective affirmations acknowledge challenges while focusing on growth and capability.

Another misconception is that affirmations work instantly. Like any skill, the power of affirmations grows with regular practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see major shifts immediately; the first month is often about laying the groundwork for change. While scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of affirmations, it’s important to approach them as a practice of positive valuation rather than magical thinking.

Tracking Your Progress

Measuring the effectiveness of affirmations is an important part of your personal growth journey. Here are some strategies to help you stay on track:

  1. Keep a Progress Journal: Maintain a daily log of your mood, energy levels, and any positive changes you observe. This practice helps you become more aware of your thoughts and track the impact of your affirmations over time.
  2. Set Achievable Goals: Align small, actionable goals with your affirmations. For instance, if you’re using confidence-boosting affirmations, challenge yourself to speak up in a meeting or try a new activity.
  3. Be Patient and Consistent: Remember, major shifts might not be apparent in the first month. However, small changes can have a profound impact over time. Stay committed to your daily practice, even when progress seems slow.
  4. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge every positive change, no matter how minor it may seem. These small victories are signs you’re opening yourself up to a whole world of opportunity.
  5. Review Regularly: At the end of each month, review your journal entries. Look for patterns, improvements, and areas that might need more focus. This reflection can help you refine your affirmations and your practice.

By consistently tracking your progress, you’re not just monitoring change — you’re actively taking part in your personal transformation. Remember, every step forward in your self-affirmation practice, no matter how small, is bringing you closer to your best self.

A wall of books with old timey hanging lights in front of them with quote text that reads "Words are things. I'm convinced that they get on the walls, they get in your wallpaper, they get in your rugs, in your upholstery, in your clothes, and finally into you." - Maya Angelou

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FAQ: Questions About Positive Affirmations

Can affirmations be too specific? Is there such a thing as over-specifying what you want?

While specificity can be powerful, there’s a sweet spot. Over-specifying can sometimes limit the universe’s ability to deliver in unexpected ways. For example, instead of affirming “I will get a job at Company X in exactly 30 days,” try “I am attracting the perfect job opportunity that aligns with my skills and values.” This allows for flexibility and potentially even better outcomes than you initially imagined.

How do you handle conflicting affirmations? For instance, if you’re affirming both career success and work-life balance?

Conflicting affirmations can actually be beneficial, as they reflect the complex nature of our desires. The key is to find the underlying harmony. Here, you might create an affirmation like, “I am successfully balancing a fulfilling career with a rich personal life.” This acknowledges both aspects without pitting them against each other.

Can affirmations work if you say them in your head, or do they need to be spoken aloud?

While speaking affirmations aloud can be powerful, mental repetition can be equally effective, especially for those who feel self-conscious about saying them out loud. The key is the emotional engagement and belief behind the positive words, not necessarily the volume. Some people find that writing affirmations or even singing them works best for them.

Is there a “right” time of day to practice affirmations?

While many advocate for morning affirmations to start the day positively, the best time is when you’re most receptive. Some people find late evening, just before sleep, to be powerful as it programs the subconscious mind overnight. Experiment with different times and pay attention to when you feel most engaged and belief-filled

Can affirmations replace therapy or medical treatment for mental health issues?

Affirmations are a powerful tool for mental wellness, but they’re not a substitute for professional help. Think of them as a complementary practice. They can enhance the effects of therapy by reinforcing positive thought patterns, but always consult with a mental health professional for serious concerns

Can I use social media for inspiration and to support my affirmation practice?

Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it can expose you to negative influences, it can also be a source of inspiration. Follow accounts that share daily positive affirmations or join groups focused on personal growth. Just be mindful of your privacy settings and remember that your personal growth journey is your own.

Conclusion: Incorporating Positive Affirmations Into Your Life

Using affirmations in your day-to-day life is a simple yet powerful step towards better mental health and personal growth. Remember, you are the only person who can change your thoughts and beliefs. By choosing positive affirmations, you’re taking control of your inner dialogue and opening up a whole world of opportunity.

I encourage you to start with just one or two affirmations that resonate with you. Make them part of your daily morning routine, perhaps saying them in front of the mirror as you start your day. With time and practice, you’ll likely notice a shift in your mindset and a positive impact on your overall wellbeing. By incorporating these positive messages into your daily routine, you’re taking a significant step towards a more positive mindset and opening yourself to a world of positive things.

NOW OVER TO YOU: I’d love to hear from you. What’s your experience with affirmations? Do you have a favorite affirmation that’s made a difference in your life? Share in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other on this journey of personal growth and mental wellness.

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Diederik
Diederik
5 years ago

That was wonderful. I needed that. I have used affirmations sporadically in the past. Today I am grateful to have found your article.
I read these affirmations before falling asleep. My vibration was low. I know that if I fall asleep in that state, I wake up tired and uninspired. Not this time. Tomorrow is a wonderful day.
Tomorrow is a day where I let my light and love shine.
Goodnight and warm regards,
Diederik

Darrrion G.
Darrrion G.
5 years ago

Starting today!

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