How often do you self-criticise or focus on things you don’t like about yourself?

The way we talk to ourselves on a day to day basis is so incredibly important, not just during recovery from panic and anxiety but for our general well-being throughout life. If you talk to yourself in a negative and detrimental way this will automatically cause stress and pessimism. Focusing on negative thoughts about your body and mind can decrease motivation and leave you feeling helpless and depressed.

If each time you look at your reflection in the mirror and say “I look fat”, your brain will believe what you are telling it and you will just take this as the truth. Luckily this also works the other way. If each time you look at your reflection in the mirror and say “I look happy and healthy” then this too will be recognised by your subconscious mind.

Remember that even if at first you don’t believe what you are telling yourself, your brain can be convinced with a bit of determination. By persisting and repeating positive self-talk, you will notice a change within a few weeks. Remind yourself every day that you need to be really careful on how you talk to yourself because you are always listening.

Take a good look at where and when you talk to yourself in a negative way or where you put yourself down and change the self-talk to something more positive. Here are some examples of positive statements you can use:

• When I am feeling anxious, I will accept the way I am feeling and take some time out.
• When I start to feel negative, I will replace these thoughts with positive ones.
• I know that I am capable to float through fear and come out the other side.
• It is not what is going on around me that makes me feel anxious but the way I react to what is going on.
• I am on the road to recovery and getting better day by day.
• The less attention I give panicky feelings, the quicker they leave me.
• I understand that however distressing the panic is, it is just a bunch of feelings and not harmful to me in any way.
• I am the only thinker in my mind and I have control over my thoughts.
• know how to use relaxation and breathing exercises to relax my body and mind.
• I have nothing to fear. I have come through before and I will again, I am safe.
• If I start to feel anxious I will concentrate on the here and now. I will focus on my surroundings, on things I can see, touch, smell, hear and feel.
• I am no longer fighting anxiety and panic. I accept the feelings and breathe through them.
• I am confident in knowing that I am getting stronger day by day.
• Anxiety lies to me. I am healthy and have the right to be happy.
• I and no one else are in control of my life.
• I welcome peace and serenity into my life every day.
• Happy thoughts help create a happy life.

The way we speak to ourselves actually has the power to become what we believe. Writing this down on paper makes it even more real. Finding the good in yourself can be hard at times, especially if you tend to think negatively but remember that anything is possible with practice. When you love and appreciate the real you, everything around you will start to feel better too. in your life changes for the better., now is the time to get out the pen and list 5 things you like about yourself. Give your self-esteem a boost and write away.