Why Positive Affirmations Help - World Teen Mental Wellness Day | 2 March 2021

In this current time, we find ourselves in the depths of technology that we simply cannot avoid, this holds true especially so with our teenagers and young people. Teens today find themselves overloaded with information through the various social media platforms they interact with. Yet whilst they have the technology and the knowledge, they lack the emotional maturity and awareness to cope with issues such as bullying, anxiety, depression, and other serious mental issues.  

World Teen Mental Wellness Day

That is why, on this day 2 March 2021 we want to bring awareness to all Teens, through World Teen Mental Wellness Day. On this day we encourage all young people to take a moment of silence from self-doubt, negative self-talk and to start practicing self-care, whether that is through exercising, meditating, listening to music or doing something that brings you joy and positive thoughts. We wanted to express to all teens that even if you are struggling now, life will get better, and you will come out of this challenging period stronger. 

For all the teens and young people online, we ask that you show us how you will recharge on your chosen social media platform with #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay 

Unfortunately, in South Africa a large number of teens aged between 15-24 suffer with high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. It is these teens who we want to shine some light on. If you know a young adult that shows signs of, or is battling with loneliness, social isolation, bullying, abuse, loss, or conflict. Be the light in that young person's life, be the ear they can confide in and the shoulder they can lean on. Help guide them through their tough time or encourage them to seek further assistance. 

Here is south Africa we have a great resource in the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) they provide a national toll-free suicide crisis line – 0800 567 567 – as well as an SMS service (31393) for teens who are in crisis. 

We like to use positive affirmations to help combat negative thinking? 

To understand why we need positive affirmations, we need to understand what an affirmation is. In simple terms, an affirmation is a positive statement that you verbalise to yourself that helps you visualize and ‘convince’ your mind that what you are saying is true. 

We at Labels4school use positive affirmations on a daily basis in the workplace, this helps keep our teens motivated and thinking positive. So, we feel strongly that parents, guardians, and teachers should be using positive affirmations with kids from a young age so that they can form the mindset of thinking positive as they grow older, and their world becomes more complex. The teen years are especially difficult as they start to be exposed to messages about how they should look or act through media, culture, and peer pressure. 

This is why we created our Growth Mindset stickers to help you encourage the children of today, to start thinking positively about who they are and the world around them. These positive affirmation stickers are perfect for chore chart markers, to give to your kids for their sticker books or even for nice, sweet lunchbox messages. The possibilities are endless 

So how do I use a positive affirmation? 

Since everyone is different, no one specific way will work for everyone, some people prefer early mornings, others prefer before bedtime. There is no right or wrong way to take a moment during your day to repeat a positive affirmation to yourself. Try writing your most impactful affirmation in your books, make a wall poster or even set it as your phone background where you will be constantly reminded to repeat it to yourself. 

What does a positive affirmation look like?  I believe in myself.  I deserve to be happy.  I love and accept all parts of myself.  It is okay to be sad.  It is okay to be angry.  I am happy with what I have.  I help others.  I include others.  I consider other people’s feelings.  My body is perfect the way it is.  I don’t compare myself to others.  I am beautiful.  I accept my family.  I can fight with my family and still be loved.  I can make mistakes and still be loved.  I belong.  I am trustworthy.  I am allowed to be different from my friends.  I deserve to be accepted for my true self.  I deserve to be treated with kindness.  I don’t need to fit in to belong.  I let go of my worries.  I stand up for myself.  My voice matters.  I am responsible for the words I speak.  I listen when others share their feelings and opinions.  I ask for help when I need it.  I learn from my mistakes.  I have good ideas.  I am open to new ideas.