What are Affirmations? Yes you can! Affirmations &
Resolutions:
Affirmations are positive statements with How To Make
that you can make about yourself to make and Keep Them
you feel better about yourself. Consumer Action Network (CAN)
is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Nothing About Us Without Us
They describe ways you would like to organization established by
feel about yourself all the time. consumers.
What is a Resolution? CAN’s mission is the empowerment of
mental health consumers by
Resolution means to resolve or deter-
mine. promoting recovery and self advocacy.
Some people make New Year’s Resolu- Consumer Action Network
tions. They set a goal for the new coming
year and strive to achieve and reach that 1300 L Street, NW, Suite 1000
goal. Washington, DC 20005
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Email: [email protected]
Make a list of personal positive
affirmations that give you the courage to Website: www.can-dc.org or
follow through with your resolutions. find us on Facebook
Examples of Positive Affirmations are: “I
can do this”, “I will be successful”, “I
believe in myself.”
Mutual Complimenting Exercise:
Exchange compliments with a trusted
friend.
Remember you have the power of
choice
When you start to feel angry or mad or
sad, take a deep breath and repeat your
personal affirmations.
1. Don’t make a big deal out of a 5. Understand that you are in control 9. Take your mind off of it
small situation of your emotions Focus your attention on something
Try not to magnify the negative Example: If there was ever a time you other than the problem, situation,
Say things like “This is what I have” vs. were yelling at your spouse or kids and circumstance bothering you.
“This is what I don’t have”. the doorbell rang and instantly you Do not spending a long time focusing
View glass as half full, not half empty became calm. on the problem and thinking of all
Stop saying “always” or “every time” possible negative outcomes
Replace negative thoughts with “I can 6. Create a calm environment Do something fun and constructive
do this”, “I handle this, “It’s not that Soothing music Laugh - at a movie, at yourself,
serious” or “I’m bigger than this Light scented candles reminisce on a funny experience
2. Think things through 7. Take care of you health 10. Take a day off
It is easy to want to run to our Enough sleep From work, associates, family; take the
“friends” right away Exercise releases the stress of anxiety entire day just for you.
Take time to prepare for unexpected Nutrition: protein, fiber, vitamins and Find time for yourself
responses minerals
Think before you speak: what is going Cut back on too much caffeine and 11. Breathe
to be the outcome in the long run sugar, it sends you into a frenzy Don’t forget to breathe: slowly inhale
Cool off and examine from all sides through your nose counting to 5, then
8. Concentrate on your spirit and exhale through mouth counting to 8.
3. Picture yourself calm mind This can be done 5 times or as many
Ask yourself: If (Person you look up Prayer times as you like
to) were in this position how would Meditation
they handle this 12. Quotes or sayings
Find quotes or sayings that inspire you
4. Take note of what easily upsets to be more positive and self-forgiving.
you For Example: “But when I lose my
What are your triggers?: temper, I find it difficult to forgive
Certain words myself. I feel I've failed. I can be calm in
Certain situations a crisis, in the face of death or things
Levels of stress that hurt badly. I don't get hysterical,
Low blood sugar levels which may be masochistic of me. “
Emma Thompson