Do you use positive affirmations in the morning? How about at bedtime?
I'll be honest, I used to think affirmations were pointless. This was until I really started believing in what I was telling myself.
Now, affirmations are a common part of my life and I often recommend them to moms because we often feel guilt, anxiety, stress and overwhelm. Affirmations are a great way to boost your mood - something we often need as mamas.
I used to always use affirmations in the morning, but now I most often use them at night - I have found this helps me sleep!
Sleep is a precious resource when you're a mom, especially during postpartum.
So what exactly are bedtime affirmations?
Bedtime affirmations are mantras, quotes or short phrases that you use to put your mind into a positive state prior to going to sleep. The point is to remove negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
Because I suffer from anxiety, this has been a useful tool for me to clear my head before bed (sounds like a book title, doesn't it?). I can attest that affirmations were also very helpful when I was dealing with postpartum depression.
By replacing worry and doubt, with something more positive, you will have more quality sleep and better dreams. Then you will wake up feeling refreshed, rested and ready to take on the day more positively with your children.
I'm going to share with you some of my favorite bedtime affirmations I used as a new mom (and still use now), but if you choose to create your own, here are a few tips:
1) Use present tense: statements with "I AM," are much more powerful.
2) Be specific: this is key. You want to be able to see and feel what it is you are aiming for. Avoid things like, "I will sleep more," or "My baby will sleep more." And instead try, "I am grateful that I get to sleep 8 hours each night and feel rested in the morning." or "I am happy that my baby is sleeping for 4-6 hours stretches at night so he/she and I will feel energized enough to tackle another day together."
3) Have faith: if you don't trust or believe what you are saying, it isn't going to work.
4) Use visualization and emotion: affirmations work better when connected to strong emotion. And visualization helps you connect your body to your soul.
5) Stay clear of negative affirmations:
I never get to bed at a decent time.
The baby is never going to sleep through the night.
I'm exhausted and tomorrow is going to be awful.
It's going to be another sleepless night.
I've said these many times before (especially when I had a newborn), and they were precisely what manifested. Instead, use the positive bedtime affirmations I've listed below. Or try to come up with your own! But remember: BE SPECIFIC!
Affirmations for self-love. These are best used when you are doubting yourself or your abilities as a mom.
I am learning to love myself a little more each day.
I am learning how to be a better mom every day.
I am the best mom for my child and he/she loves me very much.
I am beautifully created: my mind, my body and my soul.
I forgive myself for my mistakes today, and I am letting go.
I have put love in all my deeds today.
I have earned my rest for tonight.
I close this day with pure joy and now drift into a sound sleep.
Affirmations for anxiety. These are best used to end days of stress and overwhelm.
I am at peace with what has happened in the past, I am hopeful for the future.
I am more than my conditions, circumstances and situations.
Nighttime is my time to heal.
I have done my best today, and I'm willing to forgive the rest.
I am anchored. I am grounded. I am safe.
Try to keep affirmations short and simple (but specific of course!), this will help you memorize them. It's also a great idea to keep a journal and pen next to your bed for if/when you wake up in the middle of the night - write down everything that comes to your mind and address it in the morning.
I also recommend repeating your affirmations throughout the day - repetition is a way to convince yourself of what you are saying, and will result in more successful affirmations.
Now, go get some damn sleep! :)
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If you are a new mom, or have been a mom for awhile now, and you are struggling with sleep, I want to help. My 6-week Budding to Blooming Program for moms starts this spring. During the program, I will help you with more tools on how to get a better night's sleep - including diet and exercises, recipes and much more. I only have a few spaces left, so click the button below to find out more about the program and to sign up for your FREE consultation call where we will determine if you're a good fit for the program. Hope to see you Blooming this Spring!
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