50+ Morning Affirmations To Set The Tone For Your Entire Day

According to psychiatrist and author of Fulfilled Anna Yusim, M.D., affirmations involve repeating a self-selected phrase or series of phrases "that embody who we would like to become." (For example, I am content.)

Research has shown positive affirmations help people cope with difficult emotions1 and even suicidal thoughts, Yusim notes. It is worth noting, however, that affirmations need to be paired with action.

"[Affirmations] work primarily at the conscious level, whereas many of our conflicts about ourselves and our sense of adequacy are within our subconscious or unconscious mind," Yusim notes. "They work even better when accompanied by some honest internal reflection and some deeper internal work that gets to the subconscious or unconscious level," she says, adding that it's also important to take concrete steps to create the changes you're affirming.

To make those affirmations even more powerful, Yusim suggests bringing as much heart and emotion into them as possible: "Say it out loud, like you really meant it, and put as much emotion and conviction as you can into it."

On top of that, try visualizing or feeling whatever you're affirming as you say it—what does it sound like? Look like? Feel like? "These simple practices change the affirmation from a cognitive exercise to one that also incorporates your heart and body," Yusim explains.