Affirmations for Tough Times: How to Rewire Your Mind in a Season of Crisis

Cherrice Smith
Oct 21, 2024
4 min read

Black woman with braids in front of water with eyes closed in meditation type state.

In the past month alone, we’ve faced hurricanes, school shootings, a chemical fire, and the weight of an upcoming election. And that’s just here in Georgia. Add personal challenges on top of all of that, and it’s no wonder so many of us are feeling overwhelmed. When life feels chaotic, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of stress, anxiety, and negativity.

But in times like these, it’s more important than ever to stay balanced, centered, and focused on what we can control—our mindset. One powerful way to do that is by using affirmations.

Affirmations are positive statements that can help you challenge and overcome negative thoughts. They remind you of your resilience, your strength, and the peace that still exists within you, even in the midst of external chaos. The best part? Affirmations are simple, accessible, and can be done anywhere.

Why Affirmations Work

Affirmations aren’t just empty words—they can have real, tangible effects on your mind and body. Studies show that regularly practicing affirmations can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and even improve problem-solving skills during tough situations. By speaking positivity into your life, you’re training your brain to focus on hope and solutions instead of fear and doubt.

For Black women, especially those navigating professional spaces where we may feel the need to prove ourselves constantly, affirmations are a way to reclaim our inner strength and sense of peace. They remind us that even in challenging times, we have the power to protect our mental and emotional well-being.

Staying Grounded in Tough Seasons

When everything around you feels heavy, it can be hard to stay positive. The key to using affirmations during difficult times is consistency. Make them a part of your daily routine, whether it’s first thing in the morning, during a break in your day, or right before bed. When the world feels chaotic, your affirmations become an anchor, helping you stay grounded and resilient.

Here are a few affirmations to help you stay balanced during tough times:

Affirmations for Tough Times

“I am resilient, and I will rise above these challenges.”
- Life may throw difficult situations your way, but you have the strength to overcome them. You’ve faced hard times before, and you came out stronger—this time will be no different.
“I choose to focus on what I can control and trust the rest will unfold as it should.”
- It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by things beyond our control, like natural disasters or political stress. This affirmation reminds you to focus your energy on what you can influence—your actions, your mindset, and your peace—while trusting that the rest will work out.
“I trust that better days are coming, and I am preparing myself for them.”
- Even when the present feels difficult, this affirmation helps you hold onto hope for the future. You’re not stuck—brighter days are ahead, and you are getting ready to embrace them.
“I am held and supported, even in the midst of uncertainty.” (Faith-based)
- During challenging times, leaning on your faith can provide comfort and strength. This affirmation reminds you that you are supported, whether by God, the universe, or your community, and you’re never facing these trials alone.
“I am safe, I am strong, I am at peace.”
- Repeating this simple affirmation can bring you back to the present moment, grounding you in the knowledge that, right here and right now, you are safe. Even in the face of challenges, you have the power to create peace within yourself.

Practical Tips for Using Affirmations

To make affirmations a consistent part of your routine, here are a few practical tips:

Write them down: Keep a journal where you write your affirmations every morning or evening. This will help you reflect on how you’re feeling and stay intentional about shifting your mindset.
Speak them aloud: Saying your affirmations out loud gives them power. You can even look at yourself in the mirror while you say them to reinforce your belief in your words.
Set reminders: Use sticky notes or set phone reminders to repeat your affirmations throughout the day. This can be especially helpful when stress starts to creep in.
Create a mantra: Choose one or two affirmations that resonate most with you and make them your mantra. Repeat them when you’re feeling stressed or anxious to bring yourself back to a state of calm.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Peace in a Season of Chaos

In the face of everything happening in the world, it’s easy to feel powerless. But the truth is, you have more control than you think—especially when it comes to your mindset. Affirmations can help you stay resilient, grounded, and hopeful, even in the midst of chaos.

This season may be tough, but you are tougher. By speaking positivity and strength into your life, you’re preparing yourself not just to survive, but to thrive, no matter what challenges come your way.

So, start today. Choose an affirmation that resonates with you and make it a daily practice. Remember, your peace is worth protecting, and you have the power to create it.

Call to Action:

Are you using affirmations in your daily life? Drop your favorite affirmation in the comments below or send this post to someone who needs a little extra positivity today! Together, we can help each other stay grounded during this challenging season.