Daily Self-Love Mantras & Positive Affirmations for Inner Peace
Who do you spend the most time with? Your spouse or best friend? Your children or your co-workers? Technically neither. You spend the most time with yourself, which is why the tone and content of your internal dialogue are incredibly important to how you feel about yourself.
For instance, if you do poorly on an exam or a performance review, there are different ways you can talk to yourself about the situation. One reaction would be to say to yourself, “I am such an idiot. I am not smart enough to succeed.” Another way to respond is to say to yourself, “I am smart. I will figure out how to overcome this setback and do better next time.”
The first example illustrates negative self-talk, which has been proven to negatively impact the outcome of tasks that hold significance in your life and your overall emotional well-being. Conversely, the person in the second example is more likely to do better next time because they didn’t let it define how they view their true self or give into self-doubt. They were able to separate the obstacle from their own self-worth.
Another time this is prevalent is after a break-up or falling out with a friend. After being rejected by a loved one, it can be all too easy to forget that just because one person doesn’t love you anymore, it doesn’t lessen your self-worth. In both of these instances, self-love mantras can be used to replace negative thoughts and rebuild your self-confidence.
What is a Mantra?
Mantras are a part of the Hindu and Buddhist religions. According to Merriam-Webster, a mantra is “a word or phrase that is repeated often, or that expresses someone’s basic beliefs.” It originally comes from two Sanskrit words: “man,” meaning mind; and “tra,” meaning vehicle or instrument – a tool to transport the mind from a state of activity to one of stillness and silence. Mantras are often associated with praying or meditating, so they’re best suited for positive self-talk. They can improve your mental health and change your life in profound ways.
10 Powerful Mantras for Self-Love
Show yourself some self-compassion with the following mantras and affirmations.
1. I love myself.
I am a beautiful, unique spirit. There is no one else quite like me.
2. I am worthy of love.
As a creature on this earth, I am worthy of being loved and cherished by others. My worth is untarnished by my imperfections or the way others see me.
3. I am worthy of good things.
It is ok to want the best for myself and to pursue the things that bring me joy and happiness.
4. I can choose positive thoughts.
I understand the power of my self-talk and choose to select thoughts that are uplifting and positive.
5. I let my happiness be visible to others.
My happiness overflows from me. I can use my happiness to bring joy to others.
6. I am strong.
I have many strengths that I use to navigate the ups and downs of my life. I am tougher and braver than I look.
7. I am beautiful.
I am embracing my journey to self-acceptance and beauty. Every day, I am committed to nurturing and growing into the person I aspire to be.
8. My life is moving forward perfectly.
Each bump in the road is there for a reason. Everything is happening according to a greater plan.
9. I am confident in my decisions.
I am the creator of my own destiny. I stand behind the things I do and say.
10. I surround myself with loving people.
I can choose the people I allow in my life. I choose to surround myself with people who love and lift me up.
Over the next few weeks, choose one self-loving mantra and aim to incorporate it into your daily routine. Focus on one mantra each week, ideally practicing it when you wake up each day. Of course, if you don’t feel like one is providing you any benefits, feel free to switch up your daily affirmations or mantras. You will find that some of them are more fitting to your needs and personality, as your internal dialogue is unique to you. If you find something that works for you, it should only be a matter of days before you start feeling more confident and loved.
Mantras and Meditation
When meditating, a mantra is a powerful tool to deter one’s mind’s natural tendency to wander off. Mantras are also useful when practicing yoga. Picking a mantra at the beginning of class can help you keep your focus on your set intention for that particular class.
If you are new to meditating, you should find the type of meditation that is best for you, as there are all sorts of meditations based on your likes and dislikes. For instance, many people don’t realize that there is a type of meditation called movement meditation, which is good for beginner yogis who struggle to sit still.
Finding Your Perfect Self-Loving Mantras
A mantra can go beyond a phrase to keep you focused on positive energy and give you spiritual strength; a mantra has the power to affect your actions. For instance, when Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” he didn’t just say it; he lived it. What is the mantra you want to live? Is it a positive, self-loving mantra?
One easy way to get started is by incorporating some Loving Kindness Meditation into your daily routine with this mantra meditation video, which takes you step-by-step through the process of adding a mantra to your meditation. All you need is 20 minutes to get started.
Self-care mantras can originate from various unexpected sources. For example, a popular mantra frequently cited during times of instability comes from a Dr. Seuss book often referenced in high school graduation speeches. The excerpt reads, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” In times of uncertainty, these wise childhood words can guide internal reflections.
This is all to say that your perfect mantras can come from anywhere. Perhaps for you, it will be something a loved one once told you or a poignant song lyric. You just have to be on the lookout for a word or phrase that makes you feel whole and loved, that brings you joy and encouragement.
We all have a friend or family member who lets their self-criticism overpower their positivity and self-loving thoughts. It is so painful to watch them beat themselves up, but we all do it from time to time. If ever you feel yourself being anything less than kind to yourself, try one of these self-loving mantras to regain confidence and move forward positively. You can focus on the first phrase, memorize the entire thought, or modify one of the positive mantras provided.
About the Author
Magical Mantras to Boost Your Energy
Energy is defined as “the capacity for vigorous activity.” Energy is also defined as the exertion of power. When thinking about energy on a personal level, think about having stamina and longevity to power your days. Energy is a key part of making the most of our days.
Sometimes we have all the energy we need to work, take care of our families, and even a little energy left for play. On the other hand, we all have days in which our energy supplies are so depleted we can hardly imagine doing any vigorous activity. Fatigue is a great way to put a damper on your day.
Beyond just feeling down, being low on energy might mean that your body isn’t getting all the care it needs. Your body demands lots of energy to operate at full capacity in order to build muscle, process toxins, repair body tissue, digest food, and perform many other daily functions. Many of these functions happen automatically without us having to think about it.
The Basics of Mantras
One way to boost your energy is to recite a mantra especially suited for enhancing your daily energy level. Mantras are an important part of many Eastern religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, but are becoming more and more a part of Western culture as well. Merriam-Webster defines a mantra as “a word or phrase that is repeated often or that expresses someone’s basic beliefs.” They are generally a short phrase or a few words, so you can recall them easily and use them often. The more you repeat something, the more you give it meaning.
I use mantras for energy most often during exercise or when the late afternoon lull kicks in. A powerful mantra is a better work-out companion than a sugary sports drink, because it provides you with that extra boost of energy without setting you up for a sugar crash later. With an energy-boosting mantra there is all upside and no downside.
Another situation that lends itself well to mantra use is when that late afternoon lull hits. I used to work for a nonprofit in Washington. Our offices were in a large room filled with cubicles, with four desks to a group. Each of our desks faced a different corner, but at almost exactly 3 pm every day, we would all turn to the middle of the cubes and start talking to each other. Albeit better than downing a cup of coffee, but still not great. It was the afternoon lull, that time of day when your body is sick of being sedentary and is crying out for some energy. What we should have done is gone outside for a walk around the block, but a more likely alternative would have been to take two minutes and let a mantra give us a quick jolt to get us to the end of the work day.
Six Energy Boosting Mantras
Mantras can be an incredibly powerful tool. Begin by picking one of the mantras provided below and incorporate it into some aspect of your day or into your mediation or yoga practice. You will find that some mantras are more fitting to your personality, or similarly, a different situation might require a different mantra.
- In taking this time to be calm, I am rebooting. This time will help me rebuild my energy resources to get me through the rest of the day.
- Today I will be the best version of myself. I will call on my reserves of energy to give me strength today.
- I have more energy inside myself. I am taking time to be still, so that when I reopen my eyes, I will have found more energy.
- After this time, I will be rejuvenated. I will feel a new found strength and livelihood.
- Strength can be found within me. There is more energy inside of me.
- If I ask, I shall receive. If I ask my body for more energy, it will provide.
Creating Self-Tailored Energy Boosting Mantras
Powerful mantras can come from anywhere. They can be treasured lines from friends or family. For instance, my mom has a line that she says to each of her three daughters when she needs to get our attention. Over the years, she crafted them to suit each of our personalities perfectly. I’ll be honest that I can’t remember my sister’s special message, but mine comes through loud and clear, “You are the only Sarah I have.” My mom used this a lot when I was a teenager. Anytime she was concerned, instead of trying to tell me what to do, she would use this mantra to remind me to be cautious and to tell me I was important. Such a simple phrase was highly effective, because it was personalized for me.
While it’s not an energy-boosting manta, it still a good example of mantra coming from unusual places. Your perfect energy-boosting mantra could come from something inspirational a friend once told you or from a quote from a book or movie. All you need to do is ask yourself, after reciting this mantra, do I feel recharged?
I recently moved to a brand new continent – well brand new to me anyways – and have been struggling with culture shock and finding my place in what feels like a new world. While adjusting to a whole new life can be exhilarating at times, it can also be overwhelming. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I employ my new favorite mantra: This too shall pass. It reminds me that for every low, fatigued day, there are wonderful days filled with comfort and energy. Just this knowledge helps me reboot in that moment and look forward to the better days around the corner.
Mantras and Meditation
As I mentioned in my article on self-loving mantras, “a mantra is a great tool to deter one’s minds natural tendency to wander off.” In addition to mediation, mantras are associated with praying and certain types of exercise. Let’s walk through how you can incorporate a mantra into your mediation practice.
First, look for a quiet, peaceful place where you are unlikely to be disturbed for 10-15 minutes. I strongly recommend creating a space that you can use on a regular basis, but sometimes you need to use your mantra at work or on the metro and you will just have to make do. If you do create a space for yourself, a few options are a cozy chair in your bedroom or a blanket spread out in your garden. Be very particular about what you let into your space. Only allow objects that bring you joy and calm. For instance, I like to use candles and cozy blankets, but I have friends that prefer flowers, inspirational quotes, or soothing music.
Once you have your space settled, gently close your eyes, and begin to focus on your breathing. After ten deep breaths, start to recite your chosen mantra – either out loud or silently in your head. Let yourself go back and forth between focusing on your breath and your mantra for about ten to fifteen minutes. When you are ready, open your eyes and check in with yourself. Are you feeling a new surge of energy? If so, remember that mantra for the next time you are feeling low on energy.
Other Energy Boosting Techniques
In addition to employing these or your own energy boosting mantras, there are numerous other ways to increase your daily energy supply, the most important of which is to get a good night sleep. Other daily habits can boost your energy, such as:
- Stay hydrated or take it a step further and try a Hydrotherapy Detox
- Get your vitamin D (supplements are helpful, but barely scratch the surface compared to the benefit you can get from 15 minutes of sun each day)
- Eat healthy foods with lots of vitamins and high-levels of protein (like super greens and nuts)
- Energy Boosting Pilates
- Energy Lift Yoga, which can be combined with your energy boosting mantra for an added boost
- Go for a brisk walk. A fast-paced walk, with your arms moving, does wonders for jumpstarting many of the systems in your body from immune to respiratory system. Twenty minutes of brisk walking a day can dramatically increase your energy.
- Make plans to spend time with energetic, upbeat friends. Even looking forward to time with friends can give you a little energy boost.
