Life can be busy and stressful at the best of times. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed with everything that’s happening, both in our personal lives and the world around us. We face a constant stream of information from the media, and thanks to technology, it’s never been so easy to keep up to date with everything. Although this is a huge blessing and allows us to feel connected, it can come with a price. This article explores how to stay calm and grounded, and how to use calming affirmations to soothe your mind and soul.
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone…
The largest stress study in the UK found that 74% of people felt overwhelmed or unable to cope within the previous year. This study was conducted in 2018 before the pandemic, so it’s safe to assume that this number will have more than likely increased. Dramatic and unprecedented changes in our lives mean that more people than ever feel stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed.
Some of the biggest sources of stress include being under lots of pressure, facing big changes, not having control over a situation, or going through times of uncertainty. When we add this to the amount of information we consume on a daily basis via social media and the news, it’s easy to see why stress is on the rise. Although we can’t control everything that is happening, we do have more power than we think to increase feelings of calm within ourselves.
How can affirmations help?
Calming affirmations offer the chance to challenge our negative thinking patterns and help us cultivate feelings of calm, acceptance, and balance. You can read about the science behind them here. As you use affirmations, you directly challenge your current way of thinking, and help increase feelings of confidence. Often, it’s not what we are going through that is the challenge, but how we decide to respond to it. Affirmations might not directly influence your external reality right away, but they will certainly help shift your thoughts and feelings about something that is causing you stress.
Mindfulness is key
Before you start using calming affirmations, it’s a good idea to develop some mindfulness about what is currently causing you to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious. Journaling is an excellent tool to help you pinpoint what you are currently thinking and feeling about a situation. Some people prefer to hand write when journaling, and others prefer to journal on their phone or computer. I personally use a mixture of both, depending on how much time I have. Use the following journal prompts to help you find clarity:
- How am I feeling right now, in this moment?
- Where do I feel these sensations within my body?
- What situations are currently causing stress or tension?
- What thoughts are currently most on my mind?
- Are any circumstances beyond my control affecting this?
- What is the most stressful thing about this situation?
- What is the biggest fear underlying this situation?
- Is there another way of viewing this situation?
Calming affirmations
Use these calming affirmations when you feel yourself getting stressed or overwhelmed. You can repeat them mentally, write them out, speak them aloud, or include them in places you will notice them often, for example your screensaver. Feel free to choose the ones that resonate and leave or edit the ones that don’t.
- I am safe, calm, and grounded.
- I invite peace and harmony into my body, mind and spirit.
- Calmness and tranquility flows to me with ease.
- I release any tension from my body and mind.
- I am kind to myself in difficult times.
- My body releases stress as I relax.
- I inhale peace and exhale tension.
- I know I can get through this.
- Today, I choose to feel grounded.
- I release the need for control and trust the process.
- I forgive myself and release any resentment.
- My life is full of love and happiness.
- I am so much stronger than I think.
- I cultivate peace, calmess, and tranquility.
- My feelings are valid and I create space for them.
- I breathe in healing and I breathe out stress.
- I am always being guided and protected.
- Everything is temporary and this will pass.
- I release any thoughts and feelings that are not my own.
- I protect my energy and remain grounded.
- All is well and everything will work out.
- I am so proud of myself for my strength and resilience.
- I allow myself to let go and fully relax.
- Tomorrow is a new day.
- I love and accept myself exactly as I am.
Before you go…
We all feel stressed and overwhelmed from time to time. Know that these feelings are completely normal and you can choose to be kind to yourself when you do feel stressed. Use these calming affirmations and journal prompts to invite more peace and harmony into your body, mind, and spirit.