2025 was the year when mental health affirmations like ‘I am enough’, ‘I am safe in my body’, and ‘I have time to breathe’ became popular. Here’s what drove the trend.
In a world dominated by negativity, a daily dose of positivity can play a significant role. Affirmations are one psychological tool that can rewire the brain in favour of productivity and positivity. Saying positive statements to oneself and not waiting for people’s validation is a mode of self-care in today’s stressful times. ‘I am worthy enough’, ‘I am loved’, ‘I grow strong daily’, and ‘I radiate positive energy’ are some of the common affirmations people repeat to themselves to feel happy and positive.
However, affirmation trends have also witnessed a shift as nervous system dysregulation and chronic stress have become common, pointing towards deteriorating mental health.
Dr. Kamna Chhibber, Clinical Psychologist, Director – Mental Health Programme, Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, in an exclusive interaction with Financial Express.com, shares what affirmations like ‘I am enough’, ‘I am safe in my body’, and ‘I have time to breathe’ mean in today’s times.
‘People taking charge of their well-being’
Dr Chhibber says that the rise in mental health affirmations shows people are keen on gaining greater control over their mind, which is important for self-care.
“It doesn’t necessarily speak of trauma but shows how individuals are looking to take charge of their well-being. Self-soothing processes are crucial for maintaining mental wellness. It can be conceptualized as a stride towards gaining greater control over the mind and how it dictates how a person feels and responds to situations,” she told Financial Express.com. “It stems from an understanding and knowledge of how mental health is important and a person needs to be proactive in caring for themselves,” she added.
How affirmations work
In a study published in the Journal of American Psychologist, researchers found that low-cost self-affirmation exercises can yield significant psychological benefits in terms of enhancing personal and social well-being. The Fortis psychologist agrees, saying it can shift perspectives and be a reminder of positive aspects of life.
“Affirmations give reminders that affirm the good and how there can be a focus on positive aspects of life. It helps realign what the mind automatically pays attention to and can help individuals let go of long-standing fallacious or maladaptive belief systems that prevent them from working towards achieving their potential and living a good life,” says the expert.
Science behind ‘I have time’ affirmation
In times when people are short on time, the affirmation ‘I have time’ is catching on in popularity. People tend to struggle with ‘time scarcity,’ which is also contributing to anxiety. Saying this loud daily can help people take out time for things they love doing, and avoid getting burnt out.
Dr Chhibber says there is a rush that people experience to do more and achieve large lofty goals in a short span, which creates a lot of pressure and unnecessary stress, leading them to consider taking shortcuts which can be far more detrimental in the long run.
The psychologist told us the affirmation encourages people to have a balanced approach in life with sufficient time to engage in activities that are pleasurable and allow one to be easy and relaxed.
In all, Dr Chhibber says people should customise affirmations to their own benefit, considering everyone is unique.
“I encourage people to determine what gaps exist for them individually, independent of what may be the predominant narrative surrounding them and build an approach that is most appropriate and applicable to their life,” she concludes.
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