Having a positive mindset can do wonders for your attitude. Looking on the bright side of a situation can help you find more creative solutions, enjoy better health, do better in school or work, and even live longer. When people get into a negative rut or are dealing with depression or anxiety, however, their self-talk tends to be negative and pessimistic. One way you can combat this tendency is to make time each day to say some positive affirmations. Said out loud, these daily affirmations can improve mental health and turn you into a more optimistic person. Here are nine daily affirmations that you can start using today to improve your mental health.

1. “I Love Myself for Who I Am.”

Negative thinking can rapidly turn into negative self-talk. You might look in the mirror and think you aren’t good-looking enough, smart enough, friendly enough, or any other “not good enough” self-description. Instead of focusing on what you think isn’t good enough, focus on loving yourself for who you are right now. Yes, you might plan to improve your appearance, lose weight, make more friends, take classes, and so on, but you need to love yourself regardless of your current circumstances for any of it to make a difference in how you feel.

2. “I Am Strong and Capable.”

You might think that you’re not able to handle tough situations, but you are. Everyone has been through difficult moments in their lives and you are no exception. Think about what you have gotten through so far. None of it has crushed you; you are still standing. You are strong and capable of getting through whatever life throws at you, and it doesn’t hurt to remind yourself of that truth during your daily affirmations. Start a list of situations you’ve navigated and you just might be surprised at how strong and capable you are!

3. “How I Feel Matters.”

You need to honor your feelings and do what makes you happy, generally speaking. If you feel that something is affecting you negatively, cut it out of your life. If you enjoy a certain hobby or activity, as long as it’s not self-destructive, go ahead and continue to make time for it. How you feel should matter to you and you should make the choices that help you feel great.

4. “I Allow Myself to Be in Only Healthy Relationships.”

Sometimes unhealthy relationships cause people to develop anxiety, depression, or an overall sense of pessimism and self-destructive behaviors. Evaluate the relationships you’re in. Do any of them feel wrong to you? Are you unhappy when you’re spending time with or communicating with a particular person? Is anyone treating you poorly? These are all signs that the relationship you’re in might not be a healthy one. You might need to cut ties with a friend, relative, or romantic partner who is not willing to improve the relationship through counseling or other methods.

5. “I Choose to Forgive and Let Go of Anger.”

When you are overcome by anger caused by something that another person did, it is very difficult to move on. When someone hurts you, it can seem hard to forgive them. Realize, however, that forgiveness is for you, not for the other person. You do not need to reconcile with someone who has treated you poorly. Forgiveness is just letting go of your anger, bitterness, and resentment so you can move on without them in your life.

6. “I Choose to Let Go of My Fear.”

Many people are held back by fear. They could be tangible fears, such as the fear of flying or an overwhelming fear of dogs. They can also be intangible fears, such as a general sense of anxiety or thinking that you’re not good enough to do whatever it is you have the opportunity to do. By saying aloud that you choose to let go of your fear, you might be able to alleviate some of your anxiety.

7. “I Will Come Through This Challenge With a Better Understanding of Myself.”

Everyone goes through challenges in life. When you’re in the middle of a difficult time, it can seem as though you will never get out of the situation. Remind yourself out loud that you will get through the challenge; not only will you get through it, but you will learn something about yourself. Try to focus on the life lessons you’re learning and consider writing down things you can do differently next time around to turn it into a more positive experience.

8. “I Deserve Happiness.”

This one of the daily affirmations that everyone should say every day. Too many times, people get bogged down in their own troubles and forget that they deserve to be happy. If you can get out of a troubling situation, then do so. You are entitled to follow your desires when it comes to what type of job you have, where you live, what you spend your free time doing, and who you are in a relationship with. If you are unhappy with any of the choices you’ve made, consider what you can do to change them.

9. “I Take the Time to Care for My Body, Mind, and Spirit.”

Self-care is essential for good mental health. Take the time to care for yourself. This includes:

• Exercising regularly
• Eating a healthy diet
• Spending time doing things you enjoy
• Getting enough sleep
• Taking care of your spiritual needs

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re “too busy” to take proper care of yourself. If you don’t do it, who will?

Conclusion

Reminding yourself of positive statements by speaking these daily affirmations out loud can cement them in your mind and help them become truths in your life. Even if these words are not currently true, stating them as though they are will help you “fake it until you make it.” Take a few minutes each day to speak a few of these affirmations and watch to see how your mental health improves.