We’re still in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic… and for many - this is a challenging period... to say the least.
Whether you’re concerned about your health or the health of your loved ones, stressed about your financial situation, or worried about the direction the world is taking - anxious thoughts can play over and over in your mind:
- "I can’t take the situation anymore"
- "The financial crisis is going to kill my business"
- "The government is doing too much (or too little)"
In Cognitive Behavioral Psychology these are called 'ANTs' - Automatic Negative Thoughts.
Your mind is very powerful. Yet, if you are like most people, you probably don’t think too much about the way you think. After all, who thinks about thinking?
But…
The way you think about yourself turns into your reality
What you think directly influences how you feel and how you behave.
So if you think "I can’t take the situation anymore", for example, you’ll feel weak, helpless and drained. Then, you will not have the energy to take the actions you know you should take, leading to less (or no) results. Which would be the 'ultimate proof' that you can't handle the situation.
Now those negative thoughts become a negative, self-fulfilling prophecy.
Your thoughts affect your DNA
Research shows that when a person thinks and feels love, gratitude, and appreciation, their DNA relaxes itself and unwinds to become longer.
On the other hand, when the person thinks and feels anger, frustration, stress, or fear, their DNA tightens itself and becomes shorter.
Some DNA codes even shut down during such negative states.
Your thoughts affect your immune and recovery from illnesses
Research found that when HIV positive patients experienced thoughts and feelings of love, joy, and gratitude, their immune system had 300,000 times more resistance than they had before those states of consciousness.
This is such a huge impact that it is almost impossible to imagine.
What if you could let go of worry and anxiety?
What if you could replace your repetitive negative thoughts with positive, supporting, empowering thoughts?
Positive Affirmations are repeated specific phrases meant to calm your mind - allowing you to direct your thoughts toward a single, focused, positive point.
If your mind tends to get stuck either in the past or the future (the main result of anxious thoughts and stressed overthinking), using positive affirmations can help bring you into the present.
You can use ANTs to grow
In order to make the best use of your Automatic Negative Thoughts, do these:
- Learn to notice when negative thoughts start coming up.
- Once you have noticed them, remind yourself that all thoughts are creating your reality.
- Ask yourself if you would truly wish for the negative thought to become a reality.
- Begin using positive affirmations to replace the negative thoughts.
How to use positive affirmations to eliminate worry, anxiety or overwhelm?
- Start by choosing a designated time to commit to the practice each day.
In our Positive Affirmations Program we recommend listening to and repeating positive affirmations first thing in the morning and just before going to sleep (when your brain produces alpha waves). - Start with 10 minutes each time and don't be afraid to get a little experimental with your practice, finding what works for you. Some people repeat the positive affirmations aloud while others repeat the affirmations quietly in their heads.
- In addition to using these empowering affirmations for anxiety and worry as a daily practice, you can also use them in moments of stress or overwhelm - for immediate relief.
No matter how you use positive affirmations, what's most important is…
Finding the right affirmations for you
The online and offline world are filled with suggestions for affirmations in any area of life… unfortunately, 95% of these suggested affirmations are either ineffective or counterproductive.
For example, here are two very common affirmations often suggested when you feel overwhelmed:
- "This too shall pass."
- "I have faith that this will all work out."
Both are totally useless to be used as positive affirmations.
Instead, use the following affirmations that have immense power:
- "I choose to be calm and centered, regardless of the situation."
- "I trust that everything is perfect as it is."
Check out the Positive Affirmations Program where we picked and created the most effective, transformative, empowering affirmations and recorded them using special music and subtle sounds to induce mental coordination, calmness, alertness, mind/body integration and learning.
Anxiety and worry are normal in times of stress and overwhelm, like we experience today… But you don’t have to let them take over you. Give positive affirmations a try for one month, and see how your life changes for the better.
Let us know in the comment box below how and when could you use positive affirmations to boost your life to the next level... We respond to every comment.
I can use the affirmations every day. I got a depression and I’m not able to get out till now.
Thanks for your honest and brave sharing in this comment Mariska.
Would love to hear what affirmations would support you?
At the moment I am back teaching young kids after a long period of distance education. Its intensive and I would like more balance in my life. For eg. I didn’t make free me-time to read all emails (arghh)!
Thanks for your honest and open contribution Anna.
Would love to hear what kind of affirmations would help you in such a situation
My affirmation against overwhelm is in fact a Chines proverb: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”
Thanks for this great reminder Nelly.
However, Affirmations are much more than just “wise” phrases.
They are strong and powerful sentences that program your mind into the direction you wish it to go.
To be effective, it would would usually have to include the phrase “I AM”…
In our Positive Affirmation Program we give you 100 powerful affirmations each week to deal with a specific topic (such as being overwhelmed)
To keep focus On what I want and to do one thing at a time
Thanks Susan for your contribution to this discussion.
Would love to hear what affirmations would help you when you’re overwhelmed?
What throws me most is when I see the emotional And/or physical well-being of my family being impacted. At these times I could certainly use positive affirmations.
Thanks Clair for your honest and open contribution.
Would love to hear what affirmations would help you in such situations?
To go to the next level in my business with a strong focus.
Thanks for your contribution Stef.
Curious to know what affirmations would help you to get to the next level in your business?
I can plan, so I can succeed
I can ask for help, so I can succeed
I succeeded before, so I can do it again
Great affirmations Remco. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Curious to know what affirmations would you use when overwhelmed?
I can use positive affirmations, when I let others affect my mood in a negative way. I need to switch my state and jump in a better place again.
Thanks Jacoline for your open and honest input.
When you join us in the Positive Affirmation Program you will get each week 100 affirmations that would help in keeping your attitude positive no matter what the circumstances are.
Check it out here – https://mindfulness-place.com/affirmations/
Hi Vered and Nisandeh, it’s been a while since I met you in Holland during one of your trainings. I assume you are doing well! To be back on topic;
My business is going very well and I’m of course very glad with that. But due to our success I’m also very stressed due to all the work and handling that comes with it.
What affirmation would you suggest for me when I’m stressed out?
Thanks!
Hi Jimmy,
It’s certainly has been a while since we last met.
Happy to hear that your business is doing well, especially in these times. WELL DONE!!!
One of my favourite affirmation at times when I’m stressed is: ” I am centered and grounded”
When you join us in our Positive Affirmation Program – https://mindfulness-place.com/affirmations/, you get 100 affirmations, each week that you can download and listen in the morning and evening, which would help you become more effective and able to handle the stressy times we all experience.
What makes a negative thought a negative thought? It depends on how you look at it. It is a voice like so many voices in your head. I let them meet together and I am the one who determines what I want with this input of all those voices. If they warn me about danger, I will see how I can reduce this risk. If I can’t deal with a negative thought, it will disappear as quickly as it came. I focus on what really matters. Thoughts that don’t contribute to this are not even worth thinking about.
That’s such an important insight and contribution Marcel. Thanks for it.
At the end of the day – Nothing Has Meaning Except the Meaning YOU give it.
However, when you enforce your mind with positive/supporting thoughts it helps in creating your life the way you dream it to be and helps when those automatic negative/non-supportive thoughts raise their head.
Curious to know which affirmations would help you at such a time?
I am passionate about my business, my private life and the people around me in the way they support me.
That’s so good to hear Marcel. Thanks for sharing it with us
conscious positive thoughts in the mind, repeated every day, will eventually influence the subconscious and the underlying personal belief system (I’m ok, I’m worthy, I’m powerful etc). Stress and anxiety will become less and the body will relax more. I believe and trust this will work 🙂
Great to hear this Kiran and thank you for your contribution.
Curious to know what affirmations would help you when overwhelmed?
FEEL IT, FEEL IT, FEEL IT MORE!!!
Hi Nisandeh and Vered,
Hope this post finds you both extremely well.
I find by far the most important (and usually overlooked) aspect of effective affirmations is not the words used but the feeling associated at the time of affirming.
So, for example, I find that strongly feeling the exuberance and gratitude of being super wealthy while saying out loud “it’s OK for me to be poor” is far more effective than saying “I am super rich” while feeling fear or doubt regarding the outcome (even if the feeling is subtle and somewhat unconscious).
Love and hugs,
Bastian
Dear Bastiaan,
Thanks for you important contribution. I agree with you that it’s vital to FEEL the words and put energy into them.
The mind understands only 2 things – PICTURES & EMOTIONS.
Both are important for effective and powerful Affirmations. That is why the WORDS are also crucial as they create the PICTURES.
In our Positive Affirmation Program we put a lot of focus on the words and the energy I have recorded those words in order to get into those FEELINGS
Check it out – https://mindfulness-place.com/affirmations/
I just started with affirmations after a 21 days meditation course from Deepak Chopra , but I still find it difficult to do so help will be welcome
Great to hear you’re already recognising the power of Affirmations Yvonne.
When you join us in the Basic Positive Affirmation Program – you get 100 new Affirmations each week on different topics that you can listen to in the morning and in the evening.
When you join the Advanced Level you also get a monthly video from Nisandeh and me and opportunity for Q&A with us and much more.
Hope you join us Yvonne
https://mindfulness-place.com/affirmations/
Hi Vered and Nisandeh,
I’m used to say in good Dutch: “zonder wrijving geen glans” or if you want “without friction no shine”.
That helps to be honest to each other.
Thanks Eric for your contribution on this topic.
Curious to know how this saying helps you?
A small tip… Affirmations are much more than good saying – they need to activate the mind in a direction that is supporting you.
When there is ambiguity in the saying, the mind is not clear what to do and will fall into it’s old pattern.
In our Positive Affirmation Program, we give you each week 100 clear and powerful affirmations that are focused on specific topic that helps you reprogram your mind into a powerful action in that specific area in life
I experience having a lot of Automatic Thoughts and they are always negative. For me it would be great to use positive affirmations when I wake up in the morning and start the day with a clear and open mind to experience the day as a gift and an adventure in stead of going through the motions
Great to get your input and sharing Anita to this discussion.
Our recommendation is always to do the Affirmations first thing in the morning, before even getting out of bed.
And as the last thing you do before you fall asleep. That way you charge your brain with positivity throughout the night.
Affirmation are always welcome when – I feel down, angry, words that affect me from loved ones; negativity arount me.
Thanks for your contribution to this conversation Gonny.
Curious to know what affirmations have you found most helpful for you?
All true, in the past month needed to set all sails to keep negativity outside the door… so I won’t deny any help offered to me… thank you…
Thanks Dee for your honest and open sharing.
In our Basic Positive Affirmation Program you get 100 affirmations each week to help you overcome whatever comes your way.
In our Advanced level, you even get monthly videos on those topics, Q&A with me & Nisandeh and much more
Hi Vered and Nisandeh, thank you for your support and positivity.
In the morning, to start the day without reaching directly to my phone. To start the day full of energy and positive thoughts instead of feeling tired and a bit down.
Great way to start the day Iris.
I wonder what kind of affirmations would help you in starting your day energised and focused?
All the time, feel overwhelmed by a few setbacks
Thanks for your open sharing Mike.
Would love to hear what kind of affirmations would support you when you feel overwhelmed.
In our Positive Affirmation Program you get 100 affirmations each week on a specific topic that could help you over come those challenges
I could use the affirmations in the morning when I wake up and in the evening in silence
Thanks Lisette for your input.
Curious to know what affirmations would support you the most?
When getting up and when driving the car, I could use positive affirmations to create focus.
That’s a great way to start the day Jules.
Curious to know what affirmation would you use when overwhelmed.
hello Vered and Nisandeh, already start in the morning with positive affirmations, to start the day positively. And I definitely should use them when my back hurts. Wishing you a good day!
Great to hear you’re already using affirmations Wilma.
Curious to know what affirmation works for you the best.
In our Positive Affirmation Program we have a whole week of affirmations for vitality and for Health
I notice that when I’m tired that the ‘automatic negative thoughts’ take over. I want to train myself to use positive affirmations daily and especially in challenging situations.
Great that you’ve noticed it Daantje and thanks for sharing it with us.
I wonder what affirmations would help you when you’re tired and overwhelmed.
In our Positive Affirmation Program you can get every week 100 affirmations that are focused on specific topics.
I do every morning breathing exercise to ” open ” my mind. I will add the confirmations to it in these special times.
Thanks Marc, for your contribution.
Curious to know what Affirmation would help you when you’re overwhelmed
I always have some difficulty/ confusion with affirmations when they prevent that you take action! For instance when I do positive affirmations, like “I trust that this situation is the best thing for the world to happen now” , I still feel the urge of doing something/ putting some information of this topic on facebook f.i. ,to make people aware of certain consequenses. I even feel guilty when I don’t do anything; just trust on other people to do the things/ the work, or just trust the affirmation to do the “work” For my own personal heath issues it is easier to “trust” my affirmations.
Thanks Wytze for your input.
One of the biggest mistakes people have is thinking that Affirmations replace ACTION.
That’s one of the biggest misleading information concerning Affirmation.
RESULTS are always achieved by ACTIONS. Even NOT DOING is an ACTION.
Affirmations help us direct our actions towards the goals and dreams that we have, but they do not replace them.
Trusting that everything that happens is the RIGHT thing to happen does not mean NOT DOING, or NOT changing.
Would love to receive affirmations to resolve the feeling of not being good enough. Might tapping be as well a good suggestion to practice next to affirmations?
absolutely, tapping works wonderfully, you could even tap the negative first and then the positive.
Thanks for your contribution Iris.
This topics are being covered both in the Self-Esteem course – https://mindfulness-place.com/boost-your-self-esteem/
Also in our Positive Affirmation Program, each week you will get 100 affirmations that would help in this issue as it is a very wide topic.
Hope you could join us in one of those program – https://mindfulness-place.com/affirmations/
Right now: I am happy and grateful that money is finding its way to me through multiple channels and in ever increasing amounts.
(Covid hit me hard financially)
That’s a great one Joan. Thanks for sharing it with us, many could use it.
Just a small tip… The mind works as a good copywriter. Therefore the shorter the better.
You can make several affirmation from the above one, which would make it into a more powerful one for you.
Research has shown that using several affirmations on the same topic makes them more powerful and changes take place quicker.
That is the reason that in our Positive Affirmation Program we have 100 affirmations each week for you on a different topic.
I can use an affirmation when I want to exercise. So I don’t give up too soon.
That’s a great way of using Affirmations Ellen.
Curious to know what Affirmation works the best for you.
In our Positive Affirmation Program we have a whole week of affirmations for Working Out
Thank you for the self esteem challenge
You’re most welcome Carla. Happy to hear it helped you.
Would love to hear what Affirmation would you use to help you when you’re overwhelmed?
I understand that positive affirmations are good to say while moving out bodies strongly because then they wire better into our brains.
Absolutely true Analia. Positive Affirmation get wired strongly into our unconscious mind and brain when we add to it physical movement.
In our Positive Affirmation Program in our Advanced level we explain more about it. Meanwhile even when you repeat them several times a day it makes a huge difference.
Curious to know what Affirmation would help you when you’re overwhelmed?
Goodmorning Vered and Nisandeh, I can use a positive affirmation every time I think that what I am doing is not good enough. I now use: ‘I am good enough’, but I am open to other suggestions 🙂
That’s a great affirmation Line and happy to hear you’re already benefiting from the power of affirmations.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
join us on our new Positive Affirmation Program
https://mindfulness-place.com/affirmations/ and you will get each week 100 positive affirmations on a different topic
I have thoughts I’m not my thoughts.
That’s such a powerful Affirmation Rob. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Using daily affirmations gets me in an positive mood and makes me connect to myself and others
Great to hear you are using daily affirmations Louis.
Curious to know what are your best ones when you’re overwhlemed?
I need positive affirmations during my unfortunately depressive state. Thank you Vered and Nisandeh
Affirmations can certainly help during depressions, maybe nt cure, but certainly help on getting back on your feet Xandra.
Join us on the Positive Affirmation program and you could create a daily ritual for yourself of boosting positivity.
Hope to have you with us on that program Xandra
Hi Vered and Nisandeh,
I personally could use positive affirmations to boost my self-confidence in dealing with other people such as in the business world and to support me in taking massive actions towards my goals.
All the best,
Jason
Thanks Jason for your input.
In our Positive Affirmation Program we have lots of Affirmations that are focused on exactly those issues.
Also we have a 21-Day Boost Your Self-Esteem Program which include a sleep meditation (8-hours) of Affirmations to boost your self-esteem.
https://mindfulness-place.com/boost-your-self-esteem/
So many times we think something is not possible. However with firing a positive affirmation it will work. My personal motto: In the long run, men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, they had better aim at something high.
That’s a great statement Menno. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Just as a small tip, the mind works as a great copywriter, which means that the shorter the affirmation the more power it has.
You need a balance between short affirmations and longer ones for the mind to get reprogrammed.
That’s the reason in our Affirmation Program we give you 100 affirmations per topic, and a week to practice it (or more if you like it) so yoru mind gets a boos of those powerful affirmations and restart reprogramming it topositivity
When I am too busy with my work, or live in general, meditation and/or affirmations work really well for me. But the challenge is to go and sit down quietly when I am too busy! That’s hard. It’s better (and a lot easier) to meditate proactively. Then I need routine. Doing a meditation in the evening (at a fixed time, after brushing my teeth) usually works well for me.
That’s a great input Emiel. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Research found that doing Affirmation, especially when you’re busy or overwhelmed helps to calm your mind as you have one focal point to focus, which stops the mind from going all over the place.
Making Affirmations part of your morning or evening rituals is a great way to create that space of calming the mind.
That’s the reason we recommend doing it twice a day in our Affirmation Program
I could use good affirmations when giving an important presentation for my work. Just before the beginning of this presentation I would use these affirmations…
That’s a great way of using Affirmations Richard.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
Curious to hear what Affirmations you’re using when you’re overwhelmed?
We’ve found out that when you have several affirmations on a specific topic it covers all the aspects of that topic.
That’s the reason why in our Affirmation Program we give 100 Affirmations on each topic.
I keep on forgetting to use them. I use them mainly when it either goes really bad with me, or super positive…
Thanks for your input Naomi.
There is nothing wrong in using affirmations when thing are challenging.
It’s great to hear you’re also using them when things are going well for you.
When you start using affirmations on a REGULAR basis your progress moves much faster.
Just find a time during your day when you can give yourself 10-12 minutes of repeating them.
Curious to know what are the affirmations you use when you’re overwhelmed?
Especially at night when I am worried
Thanks for sharing with us Janneke.
Curious to know what Affirmation would help you at that time?
We have discovered that when you have several affirmations on the same topic it becomes much more powerful as it covers all aspects of the issue.
That is the reason we have more than 100 affirmations on each topic each week in our Affirmation Program
My affirmation for today is: I am the green conscience.
I chose this in relation to what I am going to do today.
I like this one Elske. Do you have specific ones when you’re overwhelmed?
We’ve found out that when you several affirmation on a specific topic it would cover most aspects of it so it would tackle even the hidden unconscious thoughts that we have in that specific area.
That’s why we have created 100 affirmations in each topic in our Affirmation Program
I am trust. I trust
This is truly a great one Daisy.
Curious to know how does it help you when you’re overwhelmed.
Are there any specific ones you use when you’re overwhelmed?
We found out that affirmations are much more powerful when you several of them so they could cover all aspects of a specific topic
Positive affirmations help me in times of crisis, when I feel overwhelmed. I usually use: Everything is fine. I can do this.
These are great examples Cora.
Be aware these are 2 separate ones, which makes it more powerful.
Would be great to know HOW and WHEN you use them
That’s the reason in our Affirmation Program we give you 100 Affirmation to each topic which covers all aspects of that specific topic.
Every Day, In Every Way, I Am Getting BetterAnd Better.
That’sa great Affirmation Charles.
Would love to hear how often do you use it
Positive affirmations are very crucial for the mindset. It is more than just ’what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger’
They invite one’s kindness.
Thanks for all the lessons up till now.
Great input Ylo. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Curious to know what Affirmation would you use at times when you’re overwhelmed?
To support me when I visit customers, I am saying to myself: I relieve my customers and create a situation in which they can become more successful.
Thanks for sharing this with us Eduard.
Here is a small tip for you – the mind works like a good copywriter.
Therefore you want your affirmations to be powerful statements and not long stories.
In the above affirmation you have several powerful affirmations in one long sentence.
That makes it hard for your mind to know on what to focus.
I suggest, you separate it into 2-3 affirmations which each one focuses on a specific element of what you want.
That is why in our Affirmation Program we have 100 affirmations all on the same topic.
Each one is laser focused on a specific element in that topic, which makes it easier for the mind to integrate it.
Love this Eduard! Very practical!
Hello Vered and Nissandeh,
A few Months ago I did: Bright new future and attracting abundance so I noticed it really helps to repeat positive affirmations!
But repeating is very important, I noticed for me personally! So I Really would-be like Some ‘new’ affirmations to keep me Sharp, repeating and remembering. Every single day!
Great to hear Marjo that you have already benefited from the affirmations in those programs.
No doubt repetition is the key for success and mastering any area in your life.
Curious to hear in what areas would you like to get new affirmations and what have you found is the BEST affirmation for you?
There is a very clear difference between the two types of affirmation. The first is a … I won’t spend time and energy to find the right words. Skipping to the second set:
They are about taking ownership of your life and stepping, even if it’s gradually and very slowly, into your strength.
Trusting the process is trusting yourself while going through the process of growth.
Thanks for your valuable input Lotfi.
I totally agree with you that when people do not know how to phrase affirmations they would become a total BS…
The power of them, as you stated, is when the person becomes involved in them and empowered by taking 100% responsibility on their lives.
Curious to know what is your FAVOURITE affirmation when in times of stress and overwhelmed.
My affirmation today is: I choose to relax, release and I’ll deal with it. And I know how to.
And: I thank you for these lessons leading to insights!
Great Affirmation Pim and thanks for sharing it with us.
One small tip… the mind ONLY understands PRESENT time.
Therefore when you say “I’ll deal with it” – the mind does not comprehend it.
It’s better to phrase it in Present time – “and I can deal with it, I know how to”
Hope you join us in this program
Great program, you need this, even if you are not feeling overwhelmed!
Thanks Ingrid!
Curious to know what is YOUR BEST Affirmation to use in such times?
Any time a “problem” comes up I chose to see this as an opportunity to change for the better using positive affirmations and visualizing the desired creative outcome.
That’s a brilliant way of dealing with challenges Etel.
Curious to hear what is your favourite affirmation in such situation?
I used positive affirmation when I drive my car, instead of listening to the radio or just let my mind think and thinking I just use affirmation and it not only focuses min mind on where I want to get in life it also calms my mind.
That’s a great way to use your time productively and effectively Tsafi!
Would love to hear what is your best affirmation?
I got need to use these when I feel trapped and can not see the long term plan. For example this Covid-19 pandemia.
Absolutely Ingrid.
Curious to know what affirmation would you use to help you in these times?
For a calm mind positive affirmations will really work!
Totally agree.
What affirmation would you use, Tamara, to calm your mind?
Thanks for your input Tamara.
Even in hectic times and in stress times affirmation can work. They calm the mind.
Obviously when you’re calm in would be more powerful, but just the fact that you dedicate a few minutes on focusing and listening to these positive affirmation it can help
Good morning Vered and Nisandeh, I can use positive affirmations when there are many to do’s on my list. When there is a big task of which I don’t know where to start. On a rainy day. When people judge me. The biggest thing is ‘I m doing wrong and they don’t want me here’.
Brilliant, Maria…
Would love to know which affirmation you would use for each one of these situations…
I don’t believe this thought
I don’t believe any thought
Thanks for giving us your input Anna.
The challenge with this affirmation you have written is that the mind does not understand the word “DON’T”.
It’s ALWAYS better to frame your affirmation in a positive way – so for instance you could work on – ” I CHOOSE to believe in supporting thought for myself” Or, “I CHOOSE what I believe to or not”