It’s inevitable that we experience at least a little stress at some point in our daily lives, brought on by life’s challenges like relationship conflicts and job insecurity. But there are small changes you can make to ground yourself and feel a sense of relief despite everything.
You’re probably familiar with common recommendations for reducing stress, like reducing screen time or going to the gym, which Tiffany M. Stevens, a Chicago-based therapist and owner of Graceful Growth Counseling, always suggests are excellent options.
But it can be difficult to indulge in social media or find time for a regular workout. If you’re looking for a simple change you can make today, here’s the #1 method Stevens recommends for relieving stress first thing in the morning.
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“I believe that from [the day] with an affirmation is really helpful. Starting with gratitude is huge,” Stevens told CNBC Make It.
“And these are things you can do while brushing your teeth, taking a shower, making breakfast. You just have to be really mindful of the thoughts that you’re having.”
If you’re not sure where to start, Stevens offers these five affirmations as a great place to start:
- “I control my thoughts and feelings.”
- “I choose to start my day with calm and positivity.”
- “I am confident in my ability to meet the challenges that present themselves to me today.”
- “I let go of the past and embrace the present moment with an open heart.”
- “I deserve to take care of myself and love myself. I prioritize my well-being.”
If you find that negative thoughts are stressing you out, counter them with positive affirmations, she adds. “You have the opportunity to pause and create a new thought, one that will take you in the direction you want to go. This will eliminate and help reduce stress.”
Even some of the most successful people make time for positivity and gratitude at the start of each day. Media mogul Oprah Winfrey told CNN in 2018 that she starts every morning by saying thank you.
In a world where we feel like we don’t have control over many things, we still have control over our thoughts.
Tiffany M. Stevens
Therapist and Owner of Graceful Growth Counseling
For some people, it can be uncomfortable to say affirmations, especially if you don’t believe them, Stevens says. If this is something you’re struggling with, she suggests replacing “I am” with “I choose” or “I’m working on” to feel more connected to what you’re affirming.
“In a world where we feel like we don’t have control over many things, we still have control over our thoughts,” says Stevens.
“Some of them [affirmations] can seem really small, and I like that because we need small steps to help us with this big change. No one will be a master at the very beginning, so take it at your own pace. You continue to take small steps and, eventually, you will replace old, outdated behaviors that no longer serve you with new, more positive routines and affirmations. »
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