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When you’re feeling overwhelmed by life, self-care can fall by the wayside. But failing to put yourself first can become a negative cycle that eventually burns you out. Self-care encompasses a large range of things but one simple way you can support yourself is by using affirmations for self-care. 

Building a positive mindset via the use of affirmations can have a big effect on the quality of your life. 

Read on to learn more about affirmations for self-care: what they are, how to start using them, plus our list of affirmations that can get you rolling on your journey to being more compassionate with yourself!

What are Affirmations for Self-Care? 

Do you believe that you are what you think? 

Everyone has their own little (or loud) inner voice and their own inner monologue. Have you ever paid attention to what you’re saying to yourself? If you have, you’ve probably noticed that the quality of your thoughts has an effect on your feelings, behavior, and moods. 

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by work or stressed about your responsibilities or guilty about how you’re prioritizing your life, chances are your inner thoughts have been compounding those feelings and keeping you in a negative cycle of suffering. 

You may not be able to control everything that happens in your life but you can control the way you feel and think about it.

That’s where affirmations for self-care come in. 

Many people scoff at the idea of affirmations, thinking that they don’t work or they’re just fluffy stuff. But really, why should we be cynical at the idea of being kind to ourselves and speaking to ourselves in a positive, supportive way? 

At its root, that’s what affirmations are – powerful and assertive statements that provide emotional support. 

When it comes to self-care, the truth is that we often find it easier to give to others than to ourselves. Or we’re just too hard on ourselves and push ourselves too hard to achieve; ‘rest’ has become a dirty word. 

Using affirmations for self-care acts as a reminder that it is worthwhile to put our well-being first rather than success or money or achievements. Caring for our mental health, keeping our boundaries, and making good choices for our physical health are all things worth doing. 

Self-care affirmations are a powerful reminder that you are worth it, that you should care for yourself, that you are trying your best (and that’s enough!).

How to Start Using Positive Affirmations for Self-Care

Are you keen to start using affirmations for self-care? The good news is that there’s no wrong way to use affirmations!

That said, here are some ideas on how you can get started with them. 

Many people (me included) find it most effective to start their day with affirmations. Firstly, it just puts you in a great mindset from the start of the day… who doesn’t want that? 

Secondly, it’s easy to stack your new affirmation habit with another existing habit. Maybe you can recite your affirmations for self-care while enjoying your leisurely breakfast. Or you could use them as part of your morning meditation. 

If journaling is your thing, then writing down your affirmations is an awesome way to incorporate them into your day as well. 

With affirmations for self-care, repetition is key. Repeat them a certain number of times (5 or 10 are the usual) or for a certain period (30 seconds is a good start). 

Aside from starting your day with affirmations, you can also use them throughout your day. You could use them in stressful or high-pressure situations or simply recite them as a mood booster in the middle of a busy day. 

If you like having visual reminders, they work well too. Write down your self-care affirmations on post-its and have them on the wall behind your desk. Put your affirmation as your desktop wallpaper. You could even make a customized poster with it!

Check out these Zazzle stores that allow you to create your own posters:

The key to affirmations is consistency! Use them daily and in moments of stress and anxiety, and soon your mind will reach for these positive thoughts rather than negatives one.

self care affirmations

List of Positive Affirmations for Self-Care

When it comes to affirmations for self-care, you’re probably wondering, “what do I actually say?”. If you already have something in mind that you want to focus on, that’s great! If not, we’ve got you covered with our list of affirmations for self-care below. Read through them, get inspired and start using them today!

  1. I treat myself with compassion.
  2. My daily commitment to my self-care isn’t selfish.
  3. I believe in myself. 
  4. I deserve to take care of myself. 
  5. I let go of negative mental self-chatter.
  6. I am strong, empowered and capable of anything.
  7. I deserve the good things in my life.
  8. Taking time to rest is not selfish. 
  9. Every day, I choose to learn more about my authentic self
  10. I am free of self-doubt and self-sabotage.
  11. I help others when I help myself.
  12. I make space for what refuels me. 
  13. I take care of the world when I take care of myself.
  14. I am in control of my negative thoughts.
  15. I love, accept and appreciate myself and my talents.
  16. I am grateful for what I can do.
  17. I choose not to take things personally.
  18. I make sure I put myself first before I take on too much to help others.
  19. I am free from expectations and criticism.
  20. I choose to forgive myself and let go of my past mistakes.
  1. My boundaries are valid. 
  2. I am well-rested and full of energy.
  3. My self-care is worth making time for.
  4. I am smart, courageous and self-confident.
  5. I am patient and kind with myself and my progress.
  6. I am relaxed and at peace.
  7. I am the top priority in my life.
  8. I matter. My wants and needs are just as important as anyone else’s.
  9. I have every right to say no when I feel uncomfortable.
  10. My feelings are valid. 
  11. I am worthy of love and fill myself up with love first.
  12. It’s okay not to be okay. 
  13. I set healthy boundaries and take extra time to heal when I need it. 
  14. I honor my intuition and use it as a guide.
  15. I am enough. I do enough, I have enough.
  16. I nurture my creative side.
  17. I live with intention and following my purpose.
  18. I am strong in mind, body, and spirit.
  19. I am free from negative vibes from others.
  20. Healthy food fuels my body.
  21. I choose to let go of what I can’t control in my life. 
  22. I choose to live in the moment.
  23. I give and receive with ease and grace.
  24. I trust and listen to my body.
  25. I give myself room to grow.
  26. I have the power to make healthy choices for myself.
  27. I am committed to my emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health.
  28. I make choices that prioritize my mental health. 
  29. I am abundant in all things that bring me joy. 
  30. I treat myself with kindness.
  31. I accept myself just as I am. 
  32. I am doing my best and that is enough.
  33. I give myself permission to slow down. 
  34. Rest and relaxation is a worthwhile part of my day. 
  35. I am committed to my own well-being in all areas of my life.
  36. Being productive is not who I am.
  37. My body takes care of me.

Beyond Affirmations for Self-Care: Try Hypnosis

Want to change your mindset and negative beliefs? Self-hypnosis audios can help reprogram your unconscious mind break your usual patterns of negative thinking and feeling. 

Hypnosis downloads are affordable, easy to use, and can have a huge impact!

To learn more:

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Affirmations for Self-Care | Check out these awesome affirmations that remind you to put yourself first!