Let’s be honest – life can be hard to navigate. Especially when it feels like you’re strapped on a roller coaster of ups and downs with no control over where you’re going. Over the years, I’ve learned one very important thing. Mental health is one of the things in life we don’t always have control over, but we can try to make it a better experience. 

I have found that daily affirmations have been a huge help in my ongoing mental health journey. Taking a few quick moments out of my day to sit and focus on these affirmations helps remind me that things do get better! Even if it may not feel like it in the moment. I’m sharing my five favorite affirmations with you in the hopes that they will bring you comfort on bad days. 

1. I am allowed to take up space. My voice matters.

Often times, society can make women feel like they have to be “smaller,” both figuratively and physically. Well, guess what? You don’t have to shrink for anyone. Be loud, be bold. The world needs you to show up as your most authentic self because no one else is you!

I want you to think about your role model for a second. This can be a family member, friend, celebrity, historical figure.. etc. Can you imagine if they had listened when the world tried to tell them to be less? I have a feeling you would have missed out on the bright light they bring into this world. So don’t let anyone dull your shine!

2. My past does not define my future.

We’ve probably all watched the Lion King growing up, right? Did you pay attention to the key piece of advice Rafiki gives Simba about the past in the movie? If you haven’t, you should look it up. It’s good advice.

You can’t let the past define your future. Growth is a part of life, and you are a completely different person than you were 6 months ago, 1 year ago, and 5 years ago. You made the best decisions with what you knew in the moment. Unfortunately, time travel isn’t real, so we can’t go back and make different decisions. But I’ll give you a hint. It all works out in the end. 

3. I am worthy of all the wonderful things life has to offer

Your future self will thank you for this affirmation. 🙂

This one can be a struggle. Especially on days when we don’t feel our best. It’s easy to say “I don’t deserve this,” when new and exciting things are happening in our lives. But the truth is, you deserve all the incredible things life has to offer. Love, acceptance, joy, passion, peace. You are worthy of it all. 

4. I am surrounded by people who love me

Do you ever get so lost in your own thoughts that you forget to stop and look at all of the good things in your life? Especially the people in your life? Yeah, me too. Mental health can bring feelings of loneliness in your life. It’s important to remember to tune out that voice and know that you are never alone.

Take time to surround yourself with people who love and support you. Let them help you navigate life. It’s always a good idea to have a friend by your side. If you want to learn how to support friends with mental illness, check out this blog. 

5. This feeling is temporary. I know that tomorrow is a new day for a fresh start.

Say it with me. This feeling is temporary. Things will get better. Bad mental health days can seriously cloud your judgment and make you feel like anxiety, depression, and stress will last forever. This makes it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I promise you it’s there. 

On days when you feel like you’re upside down on that rollercoaster and everything that could go wrong is. I want you to do two things. First, I want you to take a deep breath, hold it for five seconds, and then release it. Second, I want you to set aside time in your day and do something that relaxes you. It can be anything you want, a bubble bath, cooking a nice meal, watching your favorite movie etc. 

You’d be surprised how helpful it is to breathe, take a second to relax, and remember that tomorrow is a new day. A fresh start and things can only get better from here.

I hope these affirmations help you! If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or struggling with mental health, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255). If you are uncomfortable calling, you can text NAMI at 741-741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor. If you need immediate assistance, please call 911.