Affirmations

This week our stress management tool is affirmations.

Affirmations are thoughts that we tell ourselves. We can have positive and negative affirmations that run through our mind. For example, “I am never going to be able to do this, I am just not good enough.” Or, “I am capable of completing this task.” When we slow down our thoughts with our breath and perhaps some mindful movement, we are able to hear the thoughts in our head a little louder.

Tips:

• Affirmations should be used in the present tense like they are already happening. “I am_________.”
• The power of affirmations lie in their repetition. Saying something consistently will help instead of just saying it one time. 
• They are more effective when thought or said with feeling. Pick a phrase that has meaning for you.

We talk about affirmations when we do handstands in our classes. When students are upside down or doing something that challenges their balance we encourage them to say things such as, “I am strong, I can do this, I am powerful.” It’s also a great activity to have children pick their own affirmation that makes them feel good.