People learn to be more positive from the inside out. We need to train our brain to think positive. Throughout the day, we get many negative comments and images passed through our way. We don’t need to strain ourselves to think of something negative that happened throughout our busy day, however, It takes time and energy to determine the ‘happy things’ that happen each day. My challenge to you is to start writing down these affirmative things that happen to you and create your own personal affirmations.
For treating common mental health illnesses such as Depression and Anxiety, it has been shown that positive thinking can increase one’s response to treatment. People who suffer from Depression are often instructed to recite daily affirmations as part of their treatment. Even in the depths of Depression, vocalizing these positive mantra’s can help shift our mind’s focus over time.
Affirmations help us motivate and encourage ourselves. Whether it’s an inspirational quote, or a reminder of something you did well on your fridge, these are all examples of simple ways to affirm ourselves.
It starts with a list. Make a small list, either typed or handwritten, of things that are going well in your life, things that make you happy. From here you can create your own personal affirmation. Some examples are “I am good at my job”; “I am a beautiful person inside and out”. The only rules to affirmations is that they are positive and in the present tense.
One of the benefits of affirmations is that it tricks the brain into positive thinking. When we send more positive messages to the brain it makes us happier beings. This helps mental clarity and increases positive awareness.
Self affirmations should be done daily in order to effectively recondition the brain into thinking positively. Put it on your fridge, at your desk, or by the bathroom sink. Put them somewhere that you will see them daily and can incorporate them into your daily routine.
Starting out with these positive thoughts in the beginning of your day can help set the pace for that day. Ever wake up feeling gloomy? And the day gets worse from there on out? Start with a positive affirmation the next day and see how that day turns out. It just may be a happier, more positive day.

KC Putterman LMHC,HC