How Body Love Affirmations Change How You See Yourself

Affirmations are like the WORST of the worst in terms of cliche woo woo healing techniques, I know. The thing is, though. It’s because they WORK. So whatever your resistance is about them, get on board, because they are a super powerful tool to get yourself out of negative self talk, and into fully enjoying and appreciating your body. 

The words your instructor says to you in class are proven to have a major impact on how you see yourself. Check out this article on the science behind just why those words are so influential here. While we want to make sure we are choosing teachers and classes that make us feel lifted and supported, the fact remains that even the best teacher, healer, therapist, what have you, can’t do the work for you. By choosing the language you use around movement intentionally, you can bypass our brain’s natural negativity bias and train it to luxuriate in good vibes, rather than wallow in self loathing the same way you can train your quads to help you jump high. This redirection of energy goes a long way in terms of practicing self kindness and compassion. 

I get that that sounds a little easier said than done. I’ve been there- I spent years obsessing over disordered eating and exercise habits, myself. Cognitive behavior therapy, somatic experiencing, hypnosis, energy work, and learning about intuitive eating were what I leaned on most substantially throughout my recovery. Cognitive behavior therapy focuses on identifying and reframing negative automatic thoughts (things we’re anxious about that aren’t based on fact) into new, more positive, reality based thinking - and affirmations can play a big role in that process.

I know I’m not alone in having felt anxiety over exercise, and I’ve seen it in countless conversations with clients. Affirmations can help you replace the “I’m not good/strong/flexible/young/thin enough” thoughts with “This is hard, but I am capable” thoughts. PLUS, it helps you to enjoy movement, and ultimately, your body more because your conditioning your brain to associate warm fuzzy feelings with exercise- not dread, shame, and guilt. 

So, how do you integrate affirmations with exercise? 

Before, during, and after your next sweat session, observe the thoughts that come up. Are you resentful, anxious, dreading the workout beforehand? Do you feel defeated and distracted during? Do you feel relieved after? Make a mental note or journal about all of this so you can make a clear comparison after using affirmations. 

Once you have a good idea what your reflexive thoughts are, you know which ones need some adjustment to get you feeling better. The next time you notice a negative automatic thought, repeat the affirmation of your choice to counteract it. Over time, this process will reinforce the neural pathways in your brain that give you positive thoughts, and the old pathways that made you feel negative will be weakened. Trying it with focused breathwork is also really powerful because it forces you to stay very present on the words you are training your brain to believe. You can do this by inhaling for 4 counts, holding that inhale for 4 (this can also help mobilize your back if done correctly) and as you exhale for 8 counts, say your affirmation. Repeat at least 3 times per negative thought that arises, but the more the merrier, and the quicker you’ll feel a difference. 

Personally, I feel cheesy when I use someone else’s script for affirmations. It feels awkward and inauthentic. But, it can also be tough to think up your own if you’re just starting out (and maybe don’t quite believe in them yet). So here are a EIGHTEEN for you to use as a jumping off point and edit to fit your own needs.

** You DON’T need to do all of these to feel a difference, I’ve just written a ton for you so you can decide which one or two resonate the most and go from there if you need.

Affirmations for body love and appreciation:

1. I am strong and powerful

2. My body does amazing things and I appreciate it’s hard work 

3. I deserve to feel good and confident

4. I deserve to enjoy my body

5. I embody strength and confidence

6. I go at my own pace and make my practice work for my body, not anyone else’s

7. I am cultivating a healthy mind and body

8. My legs/core/heart/arms feel strong and healthy

9. I love my body exactly as it is in this moment, and I love that I’m nurturing it to feel even stronger tomorrow

10. I am imperfect and that is enough

11. I am so grateful my body is able to move freely and powerfully (insert able to carry this baby seat, lug these groceries, etc…)

12. I choose activities that make me feel strong and alive

13. I honor my body and everything it does for me

14. I choose to be nice to myself, to love myself

15. I can be gentle with myself

16. I engage with thoughts that serve me, not hurt me

17. I love to feel challenged and what I can learn by accomplishing hard things

18. This challenge is a match for my strength

Looking for body neutral workouts to integrate these affirmations into? Try Helen Phelan Studio for 10 days, free.