12 Positive Affirmations for Anxiety | Free Printable

Stop the fret frenzy with the positive affirmations for anxiety that have helped me gain confidence and let go of self-doubt. Get started with your own affirmation practice with these Free Affirmations Cards.

It’s been a challenging few months. I find myself struggling with the uncertainty of this next year and all those covid-19 ‘what-if’ questions. It’s easy for us to get distracted and overwhelmed by self-doubt. We lose perspective and can get caught in a fret frenzy of racing thoughts.

Choosing a new path

One of the new tools I’ve turned to during this time is positive affirmations for anxiety. It’s a way of taking back some control and actively working to heal my heart and mind. I can start letting go of my anxiety by choosing new ways of thinking and relating to my world.

What are Positive Affirmations for Anxiety?

Affirmations are positive and inspirational messages. They are short statements which we recite, sometimes daily or when ever we need a reminder, to help us change our mindset and point of view.

How do anxiety affirmations work?

Our thoughts influence our choices, actions, and relationships. Affirmations inspire us to a different way of living and help us focus on what’s important to us.

Studies show they can lower stress, build confidence, increase our performance at work and school, and even boost our problem solving skills. They help us overcome anxiety by interrupting the ‘worry loop’ and purposefully focusing on motivational thoughts instead.

Neurologically, researchers have found reciting positive affirmations actually ‘rewires our brain’ by creating new neural pathways that promote positive thinking. These new patterns slowly replace those ‘old’ pathways that had us stuck in the negative thinking rut.

How to create and use anxiety affirmations

1. Reflect and select personal goals

We all have an internal dialogue running through our minds each day. An affirmation practice is about proactively choosing the thoughts we want to shape our lives going forward. What change do you want to make? Take note of quotes or passages that inspire you.

2. Write in the first person and present tense

Using “I am” statements affirms the choices you make and sends a message to your subconscious mind of your “new reality.” This is also why it’s so important to use the present tense. Our brain doesn’t think in ‘future tense’. It reacts to our thoughts as though the threat is imminent with a flight-or-fight response. That’s why we feel our heart start to race, light headed and queasy when we are fretting about that future event. It signals ‘danger’ today! A positive “I am” statement not only interrupts this cycle but overtime can change your ingrained responses to stress.

3. Create a positive and transformational statement

Always use positive language. Don’t focus on what you “don’t want”. Envision the type of person, values, and actions you want to realize. It’s difficult to get past the negative self-talk that we often engage in. Instead of stating “I don’t want to worry about tomorrow’s challenges”, tell yourself “I am here in the present moment and thankful for today’s blessings!”

4. Be specific

Affirmations should be specific – don’t leave room for ambiguity! To build your confidence, start with small and attainable goals.

5. Repeat, repeat, repeat!

Be patient with yourself. Anxiety affirmations are not an instant fix but are a practice that can transform you overtime. When you repeat your affirmations, your brain strengthens that new neural pathway it established. Set aside a special moment each day. When you face stressful situations or anxiety triggers, use your affirmation to initiate a different and more positive response. You can recite them out-loud to yourself in the mirror, use them as a focus for meditation, or as a writing prompt in your journal. What ever you choose, be consistent and compassionate with yourself.

12 Positive Affirmations for Anxiety

Here is a list of my favorite positive affirmations for anxiety! Sign up for the Newsletter below and start your own practice with your Free Positive Affirmations Cards.

I am excited about today’s possibilities!

I welcome new challenges.

I release my worry and fear. I am strong, capable, and brave!

I open my heart to love and peace.

I am profoundly grateful for everything and everyone in my life.

I control my thoughts, they do not control me.

I fill my life with laughter, joy, and wonder.

I am loved and cherished.

I am safe in this moment. This moment is safe.

I trust the plan and purpose for my life.

I am a part of something larger than myself.

I approach this moment with interest and curiosity.