Affirmations are things we tell ourselves. They can be positive, they can be negative. Both are ok, however if you have a niggling negative affirmation about not being enough, or hopeless or any self-talk that is super unhelpful you can try coming up with and saying a positive affirmation instead. Use at the start of each day, when you feel stressed and/or as you go to sleep. Practice it for at least 5 days a week before changing or coming up with a new one.

Close or soften your eyes. Breathe in and breathe out super slowly. Rest your hands on your belly or chest and say your affirmation silently to yourself 3 times.

I can do hard things

I am brave

I stand up for what I believe in

I am enough

I am kind, I choose to be kind today

I breathe, I am safe, I am calm

I can, I will, I am

I am wired to be resilient

I forgive myself for my mistakes

I love and believe in myself

Thoughts are not facts, it will be ok

I can take deep breaths

It's ok to make mistakes, I am enough and I am loved

It's ok to not know everything: I am not here to be right, I am here to get it right

I will always try my best and that is enough

I am in control with what I do with my emotions, they are not the boss of me

I treat others with respect and I deserve to be treated the same

I am working every day on being the best that I can be

Practice makes progress, not perfect

I am wired for struggle and worthy of love

I can be brave and scared at the same time

I choose to be curious before I judge or criticise

This is a challenge or an opportunity, not a threat

My challenges help me grow

I can, I will, I am

No mud, not lotus

This too shall pass

I treat others with respect and know that I deserve the same

I am proud of myself

Mistakes help me learn

All ages:

Illustrate your own affirmation

6 - 9 year olds:

Download + print a list of affirmations for students to choose from

9 - 12 year olds:

Download + print a list of affirmations for students to choose from