The Power of Affirmations: What They Are and Why They Work

Marcus Aurelius once said, “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

The power of your mind is undeniable. So, how can you start to harness that inner strength and create a more positive, fulfilling life? The answer may be easier than you think: Start practicing affirmations.

Affirmations are statements you say to yourself to build self-confidence and reinforce your belief in your own abilities. They shift and redirect your focus to the strengths you already have and the strengths you want more of.

So, how does that exactly work? The science may surprise you…

How Do Affirmations Work?

You might have heard of a process called neuroplasticity. It’s your brain’s ability to grow, change, and reorganize itself. At its simplest, neuroplasticity means your brain can keep developing and adapting throughout the course of your life.

While your brain is an incredibly complex organ, it can get confused about what’s real and what’s imaginary. This is why your body feels tense or you start to worry about “what ifs.” Your body actually treats the hypothetical scenario as a very real threat.

But there’s a way to use your brain’s wiring to your advantage. And it has to do with how you create certain mental images or affirmation statements. When you do this, areas of your brain get activated as though you’re actually experiencing what you’re envisioning. This is why regularly repeating positive affirmations:

  • Can improve your mood and mental health
  • Motivate you to take action
  • Shift your mind away from negativity
  • Boost your self-confidence
  • Help reduce anxiety

So, how do you create your own powerful affirmations?

How to Create Your Affirmations

The key to creating affirmations that work is making them unique to you. The first step is deciding what you want to change or bring more of into your life. Look at your career, relationships, your body, your mind, and how you want to feel.

Then, create simple statements in the present tense. Choose the ones that acknowledge and inspire you. For example, if you’re notoriously hard on yourself and place your expectations waaaay too high, consider statements like:

  • I am perfect just the way I am.
  • I anticipate mistakes and learn from them.
  • I am accomplishing what I set my mind to.

You can tailor your affirmations toward any area of your life.

How to Design Your Affirmation Practice Routine

Now that you know how affirmations are created, it’s time to build them into your daily routine. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. What’s important is that it works for you.

Here are a few tips to get you going:

  • Start your day by repeating your affirmations to yourself. Do this each morning before your feet hit the floor.
  • Attach your affirmations to something you do every day, like driving to work or brushing your teeth.
  • Record them for on-the-go listening. This helps your brain wake up new neuro-channels to integrate all of your new beliefs.

As you change and evolve, you may notice that your affirmations will too. Feel free to revisit your affirmations every few months and rewrite them as needed.

Think Your Way to Positivity With Affirmations

Affirmations are a powerful way to make a change in your life. They help you picture where you want to go and use the power of your mind to get you there.

Really try to make them your own. Write your affirmations down and read them over and over, every day. Soon, you’ll be well on your way to a brighter, more positive you!

Happy Patients

I have had back issues most of my life. Since starting treatments with Dr Greg I have had no more issues. It's such a relief to be able to be physical at the high level I want to be. I am able to maintain wellness by seeing Dr Greg on a regular basis. Thank you Dr Greg!!

Michael L.

Hello! I just want to say that you are truly a healer! After leaving your office last Monday, I was more able to breathe, truly breathe - after having suffered all weekend to take a deep breath due to a "rib out of place" OK - if you say so....all I know is that, though I continued to have a bit of pain in my upper back and neck for a day or two, I could take wonderful, glorious deep breaths thanks to your treatment. Thanks again for all you do! Even if I do make many sound affects while you are treating me - "OUCH!!! Hmmmph!! Ughhh!! Really???" I truly appreciate your healing touch....

MMW

I have had Parkinson's Disease for 8 years.  I have developed arthritis in my back and hips. The stiffness of the Parkinson's and the arthritis has caused me a lot of pain. Because of that unrelenting pain I was unable to exercise. Exercise is an important part of pain management for Parkinson's.  Since I have been seeing Dr. Krapf I am feeling much better and his care has allowed me to begin exercising again, which has improved my overall well being. In the past I have been treated by physical therapists and orthopedists. Dr. Krapf's chiropractic manipulations have had an amazing impact on my health and happiness. I highly recommend Dr. Krapf to anyone who needs excellent chiropractic care and the many alternative therapies he offers. I would say he is magical!

When my friend received excellent care from Dr. Krapf, she recommended him to me. I have had gastrointestinal problems for nearly 50 years that have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease with lactose intolerance. All that, including unrelieved stress had made me unhappy and unhealthy. Today I am a different person with the help of Dr. Greg. The Gastro issues are practically nonexistent, my stress levels have plummeted, and my body is changing. I am so grateful for Dr. Greg and his healing hands.

Mary Ann L.

Our family have been patients of Krapf chiropractic for a few decades. We have several success stories archived. The most recent event involves our youngest son who is completing his senior year of high school. He has been a patient of Krapf Chiropractic (KCA) since birth. He has been an avid soccer player since the age of four and has sustained numerous injuries over the years. Dr. Krapf has successfully assisted in every recovery.

Most recently, he began complaining of his feet hurting while playing soccer. Both feet hurt - particularly the balls of his feet while running and cutting. He came to Dr. Greg with his complaint as this was seriously affecting his game. Dr. Greg evaluated the situation and decided a foot scan should be done. The finding was dropped arches. My son was fitted for orthotics. They arrived within days and he wore these as directed. Within a few short weeks he is now playing full games pain free.

SC

I first called Krapf Chiropractic when my back was so bad that I couldn't get up off the floor. It's been a blessing to have Dr. Greg help me with my overall wellness and health! I find this to be a place where you are not a number and everyone cares. Mollie is always cheerful and reminds me to come. Erin is always smiling and helps relax me when I'm in pain. I would not be functioning if I did not have Krapf Chiropractic to keep me going. As I get older my appreciation deepens, especially when I see people around me who are suffering with back problems. If they only knew how helpful this is. I believe Dr. Greg treats the person not the symptoms. Thank you

Debbie B.

I've been lucky to have exceptional health care from the beginning. At the beginning, seventy-six-plus years ago, Hugh Rodgers brought me into the world in mother and dad's second-floor bedroom in our dairy farm home. Hugh's son, Hugh, Jr., practiced with his dad and beyond caring for my parents, he, also, cared for hundreds of others and me. Roughly forty years ago, a friend suggested I make an appointment with Richard Krapf for help with back-pain. Richard treated the pain that, often, was debilitating, and on Richard's death, his son, Greg became the second second generation to help me from one place to another. I'm grateful to Hugh, Hugh, Richard and, perhaps, most of all, to Greg.

N.C.

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