While they may seem a little naff (and definitely take some time to get used to), positive affirmations are simple yet powerful way to change the way we talk to ourselves. That alone makes affirmations for teens a very good idea.
Here’s the thing: a bit woo they may be, but there is actual science behind the use of self-affirmations. An extensive study found that “ bring about a more expansive view of the self and its resources, weakening the implications of a threat for personal integrity. Timely affirmations have been shown to improve education, health, and relationship outcomes, with benefits that sometimes persist for months and years.” Other research has found that affirmations have a positive effect on reducing anxiety and even reducing smartphone usage.
This definitely made me think again about the value of affirmations for teens.
How to use affirmations
Before we get to the list of amazing thought-buster affirmations for teens, let’s talk about how to use them effectively. It’s a process very similar to mindfulness or meditation, only you are focusing on your affirmation rather than letting thoughts drift by.
Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can entirely focus on yourself. Decide which positive affirmation you will use as your mantra today then simply repeat your chosen affirmations either silently or out loud.
Feel the words sinking into your being, believe in their truth, and let them uplift your spirit. It’s helpful to incorporate affirmations into your daily routine, such as saying them in the morning before starting your day or in the evening before bed (I find straight after my shower is a good time of day). You can also write them down in a journal or create affirmation cards that you can carry with you to refer to whenever you need a boost.
Positive affirmations for teens
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I am loved, cherished, and accepted for who I am.
- I am capable of achieving great things.
- I embrace my uniqueness and let my light shine.
- I am worthy of love and respect.
- I am confident in expressing my true self.
- I believe in my abilities to overcome any challenge.
- I am surrounded by positive and supportive people.
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I am resilient and can bounce back from setbacks.
- I am deserving of success and happiness.
- I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my life.
- I am proud of who I am becoming.
- I am brave and can face my fears head-on.
- I am kind and make a positive difference in the world.
- I trust myself to make wise decisions.
- I am in control of my thoughts and emotions.
- I am enough just as I am.
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I am grateful for all the good things in my life.
- I attract positivity and abundance into my life.
- I am strong, both physically and mentally.
- I am open to learning and growing every day.
- I believe in my dreams and work towards them.
- I am responsible and capable of handling my responsibilities.
- I am a magnet for success and happiness.
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I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
- I am loved just as I am.
- I am surrounded by love, support, and understanding.
- I am proud of my accomplishments, big and small.
- I am comfortable being myself in any situation.
- I choose kindness and compassion in all my interactions.
- I have the power to create a positive impact on the world.
My own positive affirmation
Before we leave, I did want to share my own positive affirmation, one that I have kept coming back to over and over. It’s quite a humble one, but it has managed to give me the confidence to give new things a go and the bravery to stand up for myself my whole life. Are you ready?
Why not me?
I told you it was simple! But boy has it been powerful for me.
Feature image by Madison Ore; boy by nrd ; good vibes by MARK ADRIANE ; girl by Joel Mott