Have you heard of positive affirmations?
Yes?
No?
Maybe?
Positive affirmations are phrases that are repeated to oneself, either silently or aloud, throughout the day. Positive affirmations train you to focus your attention on positive thoughts rather than negative ones. With consistent practice, you will start to believe your affirmations and reap the benefits that come with your regular expression of positivity.
Positive affirmations aren’t new age nonsense– The science checks out. Researchers at the University of California found that MRI scans of subjects who practiced self-affirmations showed decreased activity levels in the part of the brain tasked with stress and anxiety responses. Another study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that subjects who practiced positive affirmations experienced uptakes in their self-esteem and were likely to perform well on tasks that challenged their self-image.
While everyone could benefit from incorporating positive affirmations into their daily routines, they’re especially useful for neurodivergent people.
We’ve created a list of 15 neurodivergence-specific affirmations to help you get started on your practice. 💙
- My brain works differently, but that doesn’t make it wrong or inferior
- I do not have to earn love
- Needing a break doesn’t make me weak or lazy
- Those who love me will love all of me
- My self-care is an act of rebellion against ableism. It is tantamount to my survival.
- I am allowed to ask for help
- I am allowed to acknowledge that some things are more difficult for me than they are for others
- I am perfectly capable of achieving my goals.
- I am a valuable member of my community.
- If I never try, I’ll never know
- I will be divergent. I will be myself.
- I will let go.
- There is more than one right way
- I am willing to see things differently
- My contributions to society, though they are not the same as a neurotypical person’s, deserve recognition and respect.
We recognize that beginning your practice might be overwhelming, and you might not be too sure how to go about using positive affirmations.
We’ve got your back: here’s a little guide👇
1. Choose affirmations that actually resonate with you.
Positive affirmations are not one-size-fits-all statements. If an affirmation doesn’t resonate with you, scrap it.
2. Make sure you repeat your affirmations regularly
Set alarms on your phone to remind yourself to practice. You can repeat your affirmations aloud, write them down, or you could even create art/writing/music based on them.
3. Use your affirmations as a shield against negative self-talk.
Negative thoughts are inevitable. The good news is that you can use your positive affirmations to counter negative self-talk. For example, if you catch yourself thinking “I am not good enough because of my neurodivergence,” repeat the affirmation: “My uniqueness is my greatest strength.”
Remember – Challenging negative self-talk is a skill that grows easier with time💙