Calm Your Mind: 30 Positive Affirmations for Anxiety Relief

Finding tranquility amidst the chaos can feel impossible in this chaotic world. For many young adults, anxiety is like a pesky fly that we can’t seem to get rid of. Personally, as someone who has been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, I find affirmations to be one of the many effective grounding techniques that help me.

So, what exactly are affirmations? They are intentional statements we repeat to ourselves, designed to channel our thoughts and actions toward positivity. While social media may have popularized affirmations as a spiritual practice, they’re not confined to just the realm of crystals and astrology (and believe me—we LOVE the spiritual folks over here!). Affirmations have been validated by several scientific studies, with more research underway, showing their potential to transform negative or worrisome thoughts into healthier, more secure ones.

Positive affirmations for anxiety are gentle yet powerful tools for calming the mind and helping to get one’s feet back on the ground. This article will explore 30 thoughtfully curated affirmations for when anxiety takes over.

How can affirmations affect anxiety?

Now, anxiety is common, and it’s not always a bad thing. However, when anxiety becomes debilitating and intervenes in your day-to-day, that’s when I suggest discussing things with your doctor or a mental health professional. That is to say that anxiety can manifest in multiple ways, including restlessness, worry, tension, and more. For young adults, the pressures of modern life—from career uncertainties to social expectations to the political and economic state of the world right now— can intensify these feelings.

NO, Jaden, now’s not the time!

Anxiety-focused affirmations provide a practical coping strategy by reprogramming the mind to focus on constructive thoughts instead of those driven by fear. Through repetition, you can gradually shift your mindset and regain control. This practice encourages self-compassion and reminds us to be gentle with ourselves. It feels like we are hugging ourselves and saying, “Everything will be okay.” I recommend choosing affirmations that resonate with personal experiences because this allows for a more targeted approach to combat anxiety.

What are the benefits of using positive affirmations for anxiety?

Affirmations that are designed for anxiety have several benefits for your well-being.

First, practicing affirmations helps us build a more positive mindset. Intentional statements can remove negative thought patterns and replace them with more empowering beliefs, allowing us to improve our self-esteem and confidence.

Second, affirmations can help alleviate stress overall. They remind us to focus on what we can control and to be mindful.

Further, affirmations for anxiety can help us increase our motivation. By regaining control of our thoughts and shifting to a more positive place, we regain a sense of purpose. In addition to feeling more motivated, we also believe in ourselves to achieve our goals and not let fear win. Honestly, this is one of the most helpful benefits for me.

Above all, over time, this practice can help us build emotional regulation skills and enhance our inner peace—something we all need, especially during these times. Incorporating affirmations into our daily routines, like morning rituals and meditation sessions or simply saying them throughout the day, can amplify their effectiveness. This simple and accessible grounding tool empowers people of all ages to proactively manage their anxiety and foster more positivity.

15 Daily Affirmations to Soothe the Mind

Reciting affirmations creates a sense of safety and reassurance in yourself. These affirmations can remind you of your strength and your ability to handle life’s challenges. For those who deal with everyday anxiety, using everyday affirmations can be particularly helpful. So, for the best results, set aside a specific time each day—such as the quiet moments in the morning or before bed— and say some affirmations.

Here are a few examples, including some of my favorites, to get you started:

1. “I am good enough.”
2. “I am in control of my thoughts and emotions.”
3. “I am worthy of peace and calm.”
4. “I trust myself to handle any challenges.”
5. “I choose to focus on the positives in my life.
6. “Every breath I take calms and grounds me.”
7. “I am doing my best, and my best is enough.”
8. “I am loved.”
9. “I choose to focus on what I can control.”
10. “I embrace the unknown with an open mind and heart.”
11. “I release the need to be perfect.”
12. “My peace outweighs the need to have all the answers.”
13. “Every situation is an opportunity to learn and grow.”
14. “I trust in my ability to make good decisions.”
15. “I am safe.”

15 Empowering and Positive Affirmations for Anxiety

Similarly to the previous affirmations, the following can create a safe space and encourage self-soothing. These affirmations can be recited before, during, and after anxious moments. For example, they can be used to hype yourself before sending a “what are we” text or to ease nerves after completing a crucial exam. However you choose to employ these affirmations, remember that they enable you to face whatever you’re going through with control over your mind and, most importantly, confidence.

Along with the affirmations listed prior, consider using these empowering affirmations when experiencing anxiety:

1. “I release all tension and embrace peace.”
2. “I am resilient and can overcome any obstacle.”
3. “I am in charge of my own happiness.”
4. “I have the power to create change in my life.”
5. “I choose to let go of what I cannot control.”
6. “I am not my anxiety.”
7. “In this moment, I am safe and protected.”
8. “This will pass, and I will be fine.”
9. “My thoughts don’t control me.”
10. “I trust myself to navigate this.”
11. “I can only take things one at a time.”
12. “I embrace the unknown with an open heart.”
13. “I am okay.”
14. “I am allowed to be human.”
15. “This storm won’t last forever.” (This has seen me through my worst times.)

Undoubtedly, consistency is the key to unlocking the benefits of affirmations; by repeating these regularly, they can gradually shift your mindset, reduce stress, and become the grounding tool you never realized you needed.

I hope these affirmations help you as much as they’ve helped me!

Jess