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The Power of Affirmations: 5 Benefits Backed by Science

Jan 13

3 min read

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At Fearless Girls Club, we believe in the power of affirmations. Every week, we start and end our sessions by saying our club’s affirmations together, encouraging different girls to lead them: I am brave, I am bold, I am fearless! Affirmations aren’t empty words, they’re tools that help develop confidence, resilience and self-worth. You might feel a bit silly at first, but you should give it a try – we bet it soon makes you feel more confident and energised!


What Are Affirmations?

Affirmations are positive statements designed to challenge negative thoughts and promote empowering beliefs. By repeating them regularly, we can help reframe how we see ourselves and the world around us. For children especially, affirmations act as powerful reminders of their strengths and potential.


It is widely understood that our thoughts shape our feelings and actions, so when children repeatedly tell themselves positive, constructive things, they begin to internalise those beliefs. Affirmations can help shift the mindset from “I can’t do this” to “I am capable of working this out.”


Proven Benefits of Affirmations

The practice of affirmations is supported by a wealth of scientific research. Here are 5 of the proven benefits:


  1. Boosts self-worth and positive thinking: Studies have shown that affirmations activate the brain’s ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), which is associated with processing self-relevance and value (Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 2016). This helps individuals reinforce positive self-perceptions.

  2. Reduces stress: Research from Carnegie Mellon University shows that affirmations can lower cortisol levels (the hormone associated with stress). This allows us to approach challenges with a clearer and calmer mindset.

  3. Improves performance under pressure: A study published in Psychological Science found that affirmations can reduce performance anxiety in high-stakes situations, like exams or interviews. By lessening self-doubt, individuals can focus on achieving their best.

  4. Fosters resilience and emotional regulation: A 2015 study in the Journal of Child and Family Studies revealed that children exposed to consistent positive messaging, such as affirmations, develop greater emotional resilience and social competence.

  5. Encourages persistence and growth: Research published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that affirmations promote persistence and a willingness to tackle challenges, even in difficult circumstances.


How Affirmations Benefit Children

For children, affirmations provide a simple but powerful way to develop a strong sense of self. During their formative years, children are constantly forming beliefs about who they are and what they can achieve. Affirmations can play a crucial role in shaping these beliefs by reinforcing positive self-perceptions. They help children:


  • Build confidence: By repeating affirmations that focus on their strengths, children grow to believe in their potential.

  • Foster resilience: Affirmations encourage a growth mindset, helping children see challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.

  • Encourage self-regulation: Repeating affirmations can have a calming effect, allowing children to manage emotions and respond thoughtfully in various situations.


Affirmations are a simple yet powerful way to nurture confidence and resilience. Grounded in science and integrated into our weekly sessions, this practice helps Fearless Girls Club create an empowering environment where girls can thrive. By building habits of self-belief, emotional strength and optimism, we’re helping shape a future generation of strong, fearless young women. 


We challenge you to find a way to build in some daily affirmations and see what a difference they make to your mood and confidence!


Jan 13

3 min read

0

15

0

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