So, here is some evidence from empirical studies which suggest that positive self-affirmation practices can be beneficial:
- Self-affirmations have been shown to decrease health-deteriorating stress(Sherman et al., 2009; Critcher & Dunning, 2015);
- Self-affirmations have been used effectively in interventions which led people to increase their physical behavior (Cooke et al., 2014)
- They may help us to perceive otherwise ‘threatening’ messages with less resistance, including interventions (Logel & Cohen, 2012);
- They can make us less likely to dismiss harmful health messages, responding instead with the intention to change for the better (Harris et al., 2007) and eat more fruit and vegetables (Epton & Harris, 2008);
- They have been linked positively to academic achievement, by mitigating GPA decline in students who feel ‘left out’ at college (Layous et al., 2017); and
- Self-affirmation has been demonstrated to lower stress and rumination (Koole et al., 1999; Weisenfeld et al., 2001).
If you fill your world with negativity they’ll be no room for happiness. Don’t let life just happen, take control of it. Make room for happiness by filling your mind with positive happy thoughts. Make it a habit to be aware of what you’re thinking about and keep your thoughts positive.
Every day your will power is tested. There’s always something that can easily derail your positive thoughts. At first it is difficult to maintain a positive outlook and keep your thoughts on track. But just like anything else, repetition creates habits, good or bad.