Now more than ever, we all could use a dose of positive thinking! Affirmations are short statements that are repeated to provide encouragement and motivation during times of adversity. If you struggle with negative thinking, incorporating affirmations into your daily routine can help you continue to move forward with your recovery despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The Benefits of Affirmations
Studies have shown that affirmations can help you ease anxiety, boost confidence, and stay on track with your recovery goals. They may seem like “wishful thinking” at first, but repeating affirmations over time can help reprogram your thought patterns to lead to your desired outcome.
There’s no right or wrong way to practice affirmations, although most people recommend accompanying affirmations with deep cleansing breaths. Some people like to do their affirmations in the morning, while others like to repeat them in times of the greatest stress. Or, if you have trouble calming your thoughts at night, evening affirmations may be a way to promote a more restful sleep.
In addition to repeating your affirmations throughout the day, you can also write them on a piece of paper or make your own affirmation artwork to display in a spot where it will provide a motivational boost.
Examples of Affirmations for Coping with Coronavirus Stress
Affirmations work best when you choose a statement that speaks to you on a personal level. Here are some ideas for affirmations to help you continue to move forward in your recovery despite the stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
- I am in charge of how I feel today. There is much you can’t control about the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic, but you can control your reaction. Turn off the TV, put away your phone, and spend time pursuing your favorite stress-relieving hobbies.
- I will not give way to fear or worst-case scenarios. Although COVID-19 is a serious public health threat, most people who are infected will make a full recovery. By wearing a mask, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing, you are taking all precautions to keep yourself healthy. By continuing to attend telehealth appointments and virtual 12-Step meetings, you are proactively managing your addiction recovery so COVID-19 doesn’t interfere with the progress you’ve made.
- No matter what happens today, I will find joy and positivity. Coronavirus restrictions may have upended your daily routine, but that doesn’t mean everything is awful. Focus on the positive spots of your quarantine experience—whether it’s planning board game nights with your kids, learning to make the perfect loaf of sourdough bread, or finally having the chance to catch up on all those books you wanted to read.
- I can choose to be grateful no matter what my circumstances are. As a person in recovery, you’ve already overcome so much. Better than anyone, you know that simply waking up healthy is a gift.
- I can get through anything life has to offer. You are strong, persistent, and resourceful. The same coping skills and self-care strategies that you learned in treatment can help you make it through the COVID-19 pandemic. Have faith in your ability to overcome challenges.
- I am loved. People who love you will always have your best interests at heart. When you need help, trust that you can lean on your sober support network. Your friends, family, and care team want to see you succeed. Social distancing hasn’t changed this.
- I am divinely protected. In times of stress, turning to your faith in a higher power can bring comfort. Bible study, prayer, or meditation can be effective ways of coping with anxiety related to the pandemic, as well as more general addiction recovery struggles.
- I am sending love, hope, and healing into the world. When you’re overwhelmed, finding ways to give back to your community can help you take your mind off your troubles. During COVID-19, there are abundant opportunities to make a difference. Consider helping to sew cloth masks for those in need, collecting food pantry donations, delivering a homemade meal to healthcare workers, or writing notes of encouragement to elderly nursing home residents who must remain isolated in their rooms. These small acts of kindness can help build your resilience by reframing your mindset to one of empowerment.
If you’d prefer to write your own affirmations, Psychology Today has some tips to help you create affirmations that are personally meaningful.
When You Need Help, You Can Count on Us
As an essential service provider, Mountain Laurel Recovery Center will remain open throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Our residential Pennsylvania drug and alcohol rehab continues to accept new patients, subject to enhanced screening procedures. We are closely monitoring all coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and following suggested best practices from the CDC to prevent the spread of the virus. If you need addiction treatment or have recently experienced a relapse, we can provide the care you need to move forward. Now is your time to enter recovery!