Life is a rollercoaster ride with many ups and downs. We face stress daily in the news, in our relationships, careers, finances, politics…you name it. And now the landscape’s changed and we’re in the middle of the global pandemic that is COVID-19. How easy is it to get trapped in a negative loop of worry, anxiety, and fear?!
Most of us are having good and bad days right now and if we’re 40+ and perimenopause and hormone imbalance have reared their heads (if hormonal issues haven’t before) stress can exacerbate the cocktail of signs and symptoms. That’s just the way it works and why it’s so crucial to get your stress levels under control.
How Stress Affects Your Body
Stress affects our gut and digestion and exacerbates weight gain. It also decreases the flexibility of our heart muscle – not ideal for health – and can cause migraines and headaches. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, it can impact your life in myriad of other ways too. I’m finding I’m having sleep issues and COVID-19 dreams. That’s surprising and how I know I’ve got this underlying tension going on because sleep is never usually an issue for me.
What Can We Do?
It might sound woo woo but positive affirmations and gratitude can help manage stress and create a positive and happier life something most of us need right now. There is loads of evidence showing that if you’re in a stressful situation, are overthinking or unsure how to break the cycle of negativity, turning your course towards some beautiful words can be helpful.
Don’t you love that?
It’s often the simplest of things that are the most powerful.
Louise Hay
The late Louise Hay was perhaps one of the most influential figures in mind/body healing. She taught:
“Your point of power is always in the present moment, this is where you plant the mental seeds for creating new experiences. You’re never stuck, for you can choose new thoughts and new ways of thinking. Your future can always be more positive, more loving, and more prosperous. Think about how you’d like to live and what you’d like to accomplish as you read affirmations out loud.”
The Power of Affirmations
Louise Hay Quote
Positive affirmations can boost your mood and shift your thoughts out of negative patterns. Let’s explore their power a little bit more with some of the best affirmations you can practise telling yourself to relieve stress and embrace positive thoughts!
I can go the other way:
The best way to move away from negativity is to go the other way towards positivity. “I can change the course of my thoughts and dig for positivity.”
I find joy in myself:
When you see someone achieving something you’ve been trying for in a big way it’s the human condition to feel deflated. It’s important to remove any comparisonitis, keep believing and tell yourself, “I can do this.”
Love is an option right now:
Remind yourself that love is an option in every stressful situation. Ask yourself, “what is the most lovely thing I can do right now?” Whatever comes to your mind, do that.
I release all negativity:
“I am ready to let go of things that do not serve me.” Think of relationships, weight, fears; anything that is holding you back, weighing you down, or making your heart heavy.
I am willing to change my life:
“I am ready to experience a change in my life. As I believe in it, the change has already begun for me and will undoubtedly make my life better.”
I deserve a peaceful life:
“I deserve happiness and peace in life. Anyone who is disrupting the process doesn’t have to be a permanent part of it.” This affirmation will rebuild your faith in you in situations where you’re surrounded by people who demotivate you and stress you out.
I believe in freedom:
“Every day in every way I feel joy, love and peace right now.” The freedom to feel positive emotions is the path to happiness.
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There are so many positive affirmations you can tell yourself in bad times to manage stress. It’s all about talking positively to yourself and overcoming the inner mean girl we all have in our heads.
This will help you achieve as stress-free a life as its possible to have. None of us can bypass it totally and some stress is good for us.
Good thoughts are calling you, embrace them.
Do you use affirmations in your life? Or how do you beat your inner mean girl? We’d love to know below if you’re willing to share the comments box below. X
Thanks for stopping by!
Yours in health & happiness 😀
