27 Powerful Affirmations for Anxiety

Anxiety Disorder
Read Time: 5 Minutes
Written by:Tessa Armich

Published On: March 20, 2024

Medically reviewed by: Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R

Reviewed On: March 20, 2024

Updated On: September 10, 2024

Overview

Research shows that positive self-talk and affirmations can successfully activate brain systems. Studies found that people who regularly use self-affirmations were even able to restore their self-competence when threatened. If you live with anxiety, affirmations can play a significant role in helping you manage your symptoms.

Saying affirmations isn’t a magic cure-all, but they can be an effective tool that grounds you and helps you fight back the next time your anxiety threatens to take hold.

In this guide, we’ll discuss how positive affirmations for anxiety can help when anxious thoughts creep in. We’ll also share a variety of anxiety affirmations to try when you have anxious thoughts or feelings.

Do Affirmations Help with Anxiety?

Positive affirmations for anxiety can serve as a psychological boost that effectively challenges negative and unhealthy thought patterns that contribute to your anxiousness. 

You can use affirmations to replace harmful or damaging beliefs about yourself and others around you, and research suggests that self-affirmations offer a host of benefits. The practice of positive affirmation is linked to improved health, educational outcomes, and relationships. What’s more, the positive impact of an anxiety affirmation can last anywhere from months to years. 

The fundamental principle behind why daily affirmations for anxiety work stems from the idea that repetitive, positive statements can rewire unhealthy thought patterns so people can become more resilient to negative thoughts. Making self-affirmations for anxiety part of your daily routine can be instrumental in reducing feelings of nervousness and anxiousness over time.

Affirmations for Short-Term Anxiety

Even short-term anxiety can wreak havoc on your life and relationships. The next time you start to feel anxiety take hold, repeat one of the following mantras as a simple yet powerful way to regain your composure and steady yourself.

  1. I am in control of my breathing, and I can slow it down when I need to.
  2. My feelings are temporary and will pass.
  3. I am focusing on what I can change and letting go of what I cannot control.
  4. Feelings aren’t forever.

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Affirmations for Long-Term Anxiety

Anyone with long-term anxiety knows that dealing with it is more a marathon than it is a sprint. Positive affirmation and self-talk can be vital in retraining your brain to use healthy thinking patterns that thwart anxiety.

Anxiety won’t go away overnight, but the power of repetition through positive affirmations can help release some of the anxiety you’re feeling so you can start to accept peace in your life and break the cycle of anxiety.

  1. I am capable of navigating any challenge that comes my way.
  2. Every breath I take brings peace into my life.
  3. As I breathe out, I release tension and invite calmness.
  4. I believe in myself and trust in my abilities.
  5. I am empowered and trust that I can handle challenges confidently.

Affirmations for Social Anxiety

Social anxiety can be a daunting condition to manage, but self-affirmations for anxiety can be your lifeline the next time you’re in a crowded situation. 

While self-affirmation won’t make your anxious thoughts disappear on the spot, they do offer an effective way to get through uncomfortable social settings when the anxiety kicks in. Simple statements reaffirming your courage and strength can be crucial in overcoming the social storm. 

  1. My presence is my power.
  2. I am worthy of positive and engaging connections.
  3. I am confident and calm.

Affirmations for Work Anxiety

Workplace anxiety can be the result of toxic environments, fear of inadequacy or failure, unhealthy work-life balance, poor leadership, or unreasonable expectations. The good news is that anxiety affirmations can help you shift negativity to create a more peaceful work environment. 

As you repeat these anxiety affirmation statements designed to foster positive thinking, don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel you have a more positive attitude at work, even when facing the most challenging work-related people or issues.

  1. I am capable, confident, and willing to solve problems.
  2. Every challenge I experience offers an opportunity for growth and learning.
  3. I believe in progress over perfection.
  4. I choose to focus on the positives I find around me.
  5. Today, I will swap fear for focus.

Affirmations for Health Anxiety

Stressing over your health or the health of a loved one can create anxiety that leads you down a spiral of worry and fear. Affirmations for anxiety that are health-related can be extremely effective, especially as you try to manage intrusive thoughts or when you fear the worst. 

Reciting positive affirmations can help you find a new, more balanced perspective and positive outlook regarding health issues. Keep the self-affirmation statements short and clear, and repeat them with conviction when you feel overwhelmed about health matters.

  1. I trust in the body’s ability to heal.
  2. Good energy results in good health.
  3. This wellness journey will be rewarded.
  4. Each breath brings calm and peace.
  5. I have faith in the power of healing.

Affirmations for Relationship Anxiety

Even the best relationships can be challenging at times. Anxiety about a close relationship can bring doubt and cause you to question the connection you have, even if it’s with someone you care deeply about. 

Affirmations are an excellent way to foster self-assurance, trust, and confidence in your relationships. They remind you to be secure in the bond you share with others.

Try reciting these affirmations next time you feel relationship anxiety:

  1. I deserve a healthy and loving relationship.
  2. I trust myself and the decisions I make.
  3. I am willing and able to let go of past hurts so I can embrace what I have now.
  4. I believe my choices will bring happiness.
  5. I am worthy of love.
  6. I choose relationships that nourish my soul and promote growth.

Other Natural Methods for Treating Anxiety

Don’t be discouraged if daily affirmations for anxiety alone aren’t enough. The reality is, to get the most out of them, affirmations will likely be just one part of your treatment plan. When you couple affirmations with one or more of the following natural remedies for anxiety, you can see even better results.

  • Journaling for anxiety: In studies, journaling — the practice of writing down or documenting your thoughts and feelings — has shown positive benefits for mental health. Releasing your words can help you let go of hurt and pain, discover unhealthy patterns that might be contributing to your anxiety, reduce stress, and combat depression. 
  • Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation is the practice of being in the present. Stilling the mind can help you invite a sense of calm into your surroundings. Research shows that meditation can effectively stop unhealthy thought patterns that might be making your anxiety worse. A meta-analysis looking at how meditation affected anxiety found that people who meditate can see an improvement in symptoms.
  • Breathing exercises for anxiety: Deep breathing techniques are simple, easy to do anywhere, and can be beneficial in reducing anxious thoughts. Some research shows that breathing techniques can enhance emotional control and psychological well-being.

Seek Professional Help for Anxiety with Talkspace

Anxiety can be a complex condition to navigate on your own. You can use daily affirmations for anxiety and other methods discussed here to start the process but don’t feel discouraged if you need more. The support and guidance of a trusted, experienced mental health professional can be the final piece of the puzzle. 

Talkspace is an online therapy platform that can connect you with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist so you can get a personalized treatment plan to address your anxiety or any other condition. Talkspace offers flexible scheduling, affordable rates, and the convenience of virtual therapy for anxiety that you can access from anywhere. Taking steps toward learning to manage your anxiety is the best thing you can do for yourself. Investing in your mental well-being is an act of courage and self-care, and Talkspace is there to help you through the process.

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Tessa Armich

Tessa Armich is a Content Manager at Talkspace. She is passionate about providing mental health education and helping people learn more about therapy.

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