The "Love yourself" scene in Euphoria with Barbie Ferreira's Kat? Where she's surrounded by various self-love, mental health and body positivity influencer types screaming affirmations while she yells back "But that's what I'm trying to tell you: I fucking hate myself"? Mood. Sometimes you just wanna stick your middle finger up at life and wallow, you know? And that's 100% okay. But with affirmations being shoved in your face everywhere, it kinda makes you feel bad for not being able to just manifest the positive vibes. As if you're broken for not being able to think yourself happy. The pressure to be happy all the time can really start to feel invalidating and overwhelming. Positive vibes? More like negative jives.
Scientific research shows that practicing regular positive affirmations can reduce stress, lower symptoms of depression, and boost overall mental wellbeing. However, constantly forcing positivity can also increase pressure and feelings of failure when positive emotions do not readily manifest. The concept of "iffirmations" offers a balanced approach by incorporating elements of mindfulness, self-inquiry, and cognitive reframing. Studies on mindfulness meditation indicate it can enhance executive functioning, self-regulation, and even change brain structure and activity patterns. Asking empowering "what if" questions draws on techniques in cognitive behavioral therapy to reshape unhelpful thought patterns. By combining evidence-based methods, iffirmations provide a customized pathway to self-care without judgment when positive thinking alone feels overwhelming or inauthentic. Early research shows this reframed approach allows people to nurture mental health on their own terms.
Well, turns out there is a healthier way that doesn't invalidate your feelings or force toxic positivity. It's called iffirmations. Iffirmations swap preaching positivity for asking empowering "what if" questions. By getting curious about possible solutions, you tap into your inner problem-solver - and start feeling more in control!
For example, when you are really in a funk, ask yourself questions like:
- "What if I wasn't so scared to make the first move and put myself out there?"
- "What if I didn't care so much what they think of me?"
- "What if I channeled my nerves into excitement?"
See what empowering wisdom comes up for you.
The perks? No more pressure to be happy 24/7. While you're at it, it is not a bad idea to jot your thoughts down too, to help you have more insight into what's going on in that big brain of yours.
Bottom line is: you get to nurture your mental health on your own terms, without judgment. And your mindset becomes your secret superpower. So next time you're filled with the blues, don't sweat it. Take a deep breath and lean into your inner badass. You've so got this. The answers are already inside you.
Share your story
We're all on the same journey, just different paths. You know all about iffirmations now. Try it out for these next few weeks. See what they bring out in you. Please do share your tales with me after - the good, the bad, the ugly. Your story could inspire others!
May Nguyen, a London-born writer with Vietnamese heritage, is a passionate lifestyle blogger. With an insatiable love for travel, food and exploring new cultures, May’s writing is influenced by diverse experiences. Fearlessly sharing her journey with ADHD and Complex Trauma, she promotes understanding and support for neurodiverse and mental health conditions. As a hamster enthusiast, May advocates for proper pet care, ensuring well-being and happiness of these beloved pets.
May’s vibrant personality shines through her engaging writing style, inviting readers on an enriching journey of luxury experiences, mental well-being, and female empowerment. Her words inspire empathy and foster a more inclusive world alongside urging readers to indulge in the finer things in life.
As an aspiring entrepreneur, May combines her lover for animals and her entrepreneurial spirit. With a vision to own a pet supply business in the future alongside freelancing as a virtual assistant, she aims to provide quality products for pet owners, blending her passion for animal welfare with her drive to success.
