Do Affirmations Really Work?
It’s a question many of us ambitious Gen Z and Millennials wonder.
You’ve stood in front of the mirror, repeating phrases like “I am ready now” and “I live a rich life”, yet you do not feel ready, and as for a rich life…well your bank account tells a different story. You’re saying the positive affirmations, yet you’re still feeling an undercurrent of tension and anxiety.
In my experience as a somatic coach, YES! Affirmations can and do work.
I’ve been incorporating affirmations as part of my daily routine since January 2025 and I’ve seen powerful results. This ritual is more than a practice, it’s a powerful shift that anchors me in self-confidence and deep self-love.
Here’s the key.
Affirmations work best when you engage your body alongside your thoughts. Research indicates that self-affirmation engages brain regions responsible for regulation and reward, lowers stress, and builds resilience. The breakthrough happens when you build a neural pathway that links powerful thoughts with a deep sense of physical safety.
Traditional affirmations can feel out of sync if they don’t honor the signals your body is sending. When our subconscious mind resists a declaration, our brain’s natural warning system is activated, creating a gap between what we consciously intend and what we physically experience. It’s a reminder that your body may still be holding onto old patterns.
Shifting to somatic affirmations and embodying the change.
Instead of merely reciting words, we invite our entire being to feel them.
Use a Mirror: When you look directly at yourself as you affirm these truths, you’re not just saying words. You’re creating new neural pathways that link your self-image with empowerment and resilience.
Find Your Anchor: Before speaking your affirmation, close your eyes and locate a feeling of calm in your body, the pressure of your feet on the floor, the gentle rhythm of your breath, or the warmth near your heart. This is your somatic anchor.
Notice the Response: Listen to what your body tells you. If an affirmation stirs up tension, adjust the language until it feels aligned with your physical state, softer, more inviting words that your body can embrace.
Consider Professional Support: If you notice persistent resistance or tension, it might be a cue that deeper, subconscious beliefs need gentle unwrapping. Working with a compassionate somatic coach can help you unravel these subconscious commitments, paving the way for your body to fully accept and embody your new empowering affirmations.
Simple guidelines for writing your own affirmations.
Always use the first person; make the affirmation your personal truth.
State it in the present tense, as if it’s already the reality.
Use positive language by focusing on what you desire to create, not what you wish to avoid.
What’s the harm in experimenting with affirmations for a few weeks? Allow yourself to try. Notice the subtleties in your mindset, observe shifts in how you perceive yourself, and welcome the possibility of transformation.
Your journey toward self-love, insight, and empowerment is ongoing. Each moment of intentional self-affirmation is one step closer to shedding self-doubt and embracing the expansive, empowered self that lies beneath. As you awaken to your full potential, you transform every part of your life.
Multiply the power of affirmations.
All this said, affirmations alone aren’t a magic fix; their power multiplies when combined with other body-focused practices. Practices such as conscious breathing, mindful movement, visualization and working with a personal coach work hand in hand with affirmations to release stored tension and invite a deeper sense of ease. When you blend these practices, you create a dynamic energy that bridges the gap between mere words and lived experience, ensuring that your body fully receives and embodies your intention.
Ready to take the transformative leap and create the life you desire?
If you’re envisioning a bolder, more empowered self but find yourself caught between old patterns and new possibilities, you’re not alone. I built my somatic coaching program on my own journey from self-doubt to empowerment, and I am passionate about guiding others toward their highest possible success. By integrating these somatic practices, you can begin to dissolve the limits that have held you back and step into a life of embodied empowerment.
