How daily affirmations can help build self-confidence

Confidence isn't something you either have or you don't; like anything, your self-confidence levels can ebb and flow throughout your life.

Which may have led you to wonder – how can you build self-confidence? Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take. One simple, science-backed way to boost your self-belief is through positive affirmations.

What are self-love affirmations?

Do you ever look in the mirror and tell yourself, 'I’ve got this.'

Congratulations! You’re already using self-affirmations – positive statements that can help you challenge negative thoughts and reinforce your strengths, values and goals.

Think of self-affirmations as personal pep talks. They're not a way to pretend everything is perfect; rather, they can help remind you that you are capable, worthy and resilient.

Over time, these messages can shift your mindset, rewire limiting beliefs, boost your wellbeing and help you deal with difficult emotions.

Why do daily affirmations work?

Research published in the Journal of Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience shows self-love affirmations can 'decrease stress, increase wellbeing, improve academic performance and make people more open to behaviour change.'

By practising daily affirmations, you'll activate parts of the brain associated with self-processing and rewards. You'll also reduce the impact of negative self-talk by combatting your brain's negativity bias. 

Over time, these repeated affirmations can change how you view yourself and the world. Worth a try, right?

How to use positive affirmations for self-worth

When it comes to practising self-affirmations, what matters most is consistency. Here are some simple ways to incorporate them into your routine:

• Write them in a journal each morning.
• Say them while looking in the mirror.
• Repeat them silently during meditation or while walking.
• Set reminders on your phone throughout the day.
• Use sticky notes on your desk, mirror or fridge.

Aim to repeat your affirmations daily. Mornings work well, as this sets a positive tone for the day, but you really can use them whenever you wish.

You could also create affirmation cards and stick them to your desk, mirror, fridge or anywhere you regularly pass. Write a simple, positive affirmation on each of these affirmation cards to be regularly reminded of your worth.

What daily affirmations should you say?

Ah, yes. The all-important question. What self-affirmations can you say without feeling overly cheesy? In our experience, it's a good idea to keep things personal, positive and focused on the present.

Here are some examples of positive affirmations for self-worth:

• I am worthy of success and happiness.
• Today, I'll focus on what I can control.
• I am enough, just as I am.
• I have the courage to step outside my comfort zone.

You can also tailor your affirmations to specific goals or challenges. For example:

• 'I speak with clarity and confidence,' before a presentation.
• 'My body is strong and capable,' when you're facing a physical challenge.
• 'I learn and grow from every experience,' after suffering a setback.

Remember, this isn't about being perfect. Self-affirmations are about trusting yourself, even when things feel uncertain, and building a more positive mindset over time.

Why not try writing a few affirmations that resonate with you? Say them aloud. Repeat them daily. You might be surprised at the shift you feel – not only in your confidence, but in how you see yourself and the world around you. 

Remember, too, that there are other ways to care for yourself, like physical exercise and rest. Exploring Virgin Active's Rest and Recovery Facilities can help relax your body, unwind your mind and have you feeling your best.