Life throws challenges at us, and it’s natural to experience stress from time to time. While common recommendations like reducing screen time or hitting the gym are effective, implementing such changes can be challenging. Tiffany M. Stevens, a Chicago-based therapist, suggests a simple change you can make each morning for stress relief.
Stevens recommends starting the day with affirmations and gratitude. This can be done while performing routine activities like brushing your teeth, taking a shower, or making breakfast. By being mindful of your thoughts, you set a positive tone for the day.
Here are five affirmations Stevens suggests as a starting point:
“I am in control of my thoughts and feelings.”
“I choose to start my day with calm and positivity.”
“I trust my ability to handle challenges that come my way today.”
“I let go of the past and embrace the present moment with an open heart.”
“I am worthy of self-care and self-love. I prioritize my well-being.”
Counter negative thoughts with positive affirmations to create a new thought direction and reduce stress. Even highly successful individuals, such as Oprah Winfrey, emphasize starting each morning with gratitude. Oprah, for instance, begins her day by expressing thanks.
Stevens acknowledges that saying affirmations might feel uncomfortable for some people, especially if they don’t fully believe them. In such cases, she suggests using phrases like “I choose” or “I’m working on” to feel more connected to the affirmation.
In a world where we often feel a lack of control, Stevens emphasizes that we always have control over our thoughts. The affirmations may seem small, but they serve as important steps toward a positive shift. By consistently taking these small steps, individuals can replace old, unproductive behaviors with new, positive routines and affirmations, fostering personal growth.
