Short Positive Affirmations for Anxiety Relief: Stay Calm

Short Positive Affirmations for Anxiety Relief: Stay Calm - Article From Affirmations.online With 16 Powerful Affirmations - Featured Image
   Reading time 11 minutes

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but one of the most powerful tools we have to manage it is the way we speak to ourselves. Short positive affirmations can provide a quick and effective way to ease anxiety by shifting our mindset, calming our nervous system, and helping us focus on the present moment.

In this article, we’ll explore 16 short affirmations that can help relieve anxiety, along with a brief explanation of how each one works. Additionally, we’ll look at how you can incorporate affirmations into your routine and combine them with other anxiety-relief strategies for even better results.

RELATED: 2025 Anxiety Affirmations: Breathe, Heal, and Find Peace

Why Positive Affirmations Are Effective for Anxiety Relief

Affirmations work by helping to reprogram our subconscious mind. Anxiety often stems from negative thought patterns or a heightened state of fear, and by repeating positive affirmations, we can begin to challenge and replace these anxious thoughts.

Affirmations serve as reminders to focus on what is within our control, shifting the mind from worry and uncertainty toward a more grounded, calm perspective. When practiced regularly, they can become powerful tools to help manage anxiety and foster a more positive mindset.

RELATED: Affirmations to Overcome Fear: Shifting from Anxiety to Empowerment

Overcoming Negative Thinking Patterns with Affirmations

Negative thinking patterns, such as catastrophizing or overgeneralizing, can fuel anxiety, but affirmations offer a powerful way to counteract them. By replacing negative thoughts with positive statements, such as shifting from “I can’t handle this” to “I am capable of handling anything,” you disrupt the cycle of fear and doubt. Over time, these affirmations reprogram your mind, helping you focus on solutions and resilience rather than worst-case scenarios.

With regular practice, affirmations encourage self-compassion and remind you that you are not defined by your anxious thoughts. As you continue, you’ll begin to notice a shift towards healthier, empowering beliefs, reducing the intensity and frequency of negative thought patterns and replacing them with a more balanced and positive mindset.

RELATED: 3 Affirmations for Instant Anxiety Relief

Incorporating Affirmations with Other Anxiety-Relief Strategies

While affirmations alone can have a significant impact, combining them with other anxiety-relief techniques can enhance their effectiveness. Here are some strategies that complement affirmations and help manage anxiety more effectively:

  1. Deep Breathing
    Deep breathing is a simple and effective way to calm the nervous system. Combining deep breathing with affirmations can amplify the calming effects. For example, while repeating the affirmation “I am safe in this moment,” take slow, deep breaths to help relax your body and mind. The focus on your breath will further anchor you in the present moment, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.
  2. Mindfulness Meditation
    Mindfulness meditation encourages you to be present in the moment, focusing on the here and now. Pairing affirmations with mindfulness can deepen the impact of both practices. During a meditation session, you can repeat affirmations like “I am in control of my thoughts” while allowing your body to relax. This combination helps to quiet the mind and reduce the intensity of anxious thoughts.
  3. Therapy or Counseling
    Affirmations can also complement professional therapy or counseling. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in particular, can help identify and challenge negative thought patterns, and affirmations can be used as part of this process. Your therapist may even encourage the use of positive affirmations between sessions to reframe negative thinking, manage anxiety, and reinforce healthier thought patterns.
  4. Exercise and Physical Activity
    Exercise is another powerful tool for managing anxiety, and it can be paired with affirmations to promote mental and physical well-being. Whether it’s yoga, walking, or any form of physical activity, saying affirmations like “I release what I cannot control” during exercise can help release built-up tension and stress. Physical activity combined with positive thoughts enhances emotional resilience and reduces anxiety.
Short Positive Affirmations for Anxiety Relief: Stay Calm - Article From Affirmations.online With 16 Powerful Affirmations - Featured Image
Short Positive Affirmations for Anxiety Relief: Stay Calm

16 Short and Powerful Positive Affirmations for Anxiety Relief

  1. “I am safe in this moment.”
    Reminds you that anxiety often arises from fear of the unknown. Grounding yourself in the present moment reduces the urge to worry about the future.
  2. “I control my breath, and I am calm.”
    Helps you take control of your breath, which is a powerful tool for calming anxiety and reducing physical symptoms.
  3. “This too shall pass.”
    Reminds you that anxiety is temporary and that feelings of unease will eventually subside.
  4. “I am in control of my thoughts.”
    Reinforces the idea that you have power over your mind and can choose not to dwell on anxious thoughts.
  5. “I am worthy of peace and calm.”
    Counteracts feelings of undesirability that often accompany anxiety, helping you feel deserving of inner peace.
  6. “I am stronger than the waves of anxiety.”
    Builds resilience by reminding you that you have the strength to overcome your anxiety.
  7. “I trust in the process of life.”
    Reduces the fear of the unknown by helping you trust that things will unfold as they are meant to.
  8. “I choose calm over fear.”
    Encourages you to consciously choose peace, even in the midst of fear or uncertainty.
  9. “I release what I cannot control.”
    Helps you let go of unnecessary worry over things that are beyond your control.
  10. “I am enough just as I am.”
    Encourages self-acceptance and combats the negative self-talk often associated with anxiety.
  11. “I am worthy of love and care.”
    Reinforces your self-worth and the importance of caring for yourself, especially when you’re feeling anxious.
  12. “I inhale peace and exhale anxiety.”
    Helps you synchronize your breath with calming thoughts, reducing tension and promoting relaxation.
  13. “I am present and focused.”
    Brings your attention back to the present moment, helping you let go of past or future worries.
  14. “My mind is clear and at peace.”
    Encourages mental clarity and helps clear away the fog of anxiety, leaving space for peace.
  15. “I am capable of handling this.”
    Builds confidence by reminding you that you can manage whatever challenges arise.
  16. “I am in charge of my inner peace.”
    Reinforces that you are the creator of your peace and have the power to maintain calm in any situation.

When to Use Affirmations for Anxiety Relief

Knowing when to use affirmations can make them even more effective. Here are some of the best moments to practice your affirmations:

  • Upon Waking Up
    Starting your day with affirmations sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. When you wake up, your mind is still in a relaxed state, and it’s a great time to introduce positive thoughts. Saying affirmations like “I am worthy of peace and calm” as soon as you wake up can help you start your day with a sense of calm and confidence.
  • Before Bed
    Ending your day with affirmations is a soothing way to calm your mind and prepare for restful sleep. As you repeat calming affirmations like “I am enough just as I am,” you signal to your brain that it’s time to unwind and release the tension from the day.
  • During Moments of Stress
    Affirmations are incredibly helpful in the midst of anxiety-provoking moments. Whether you’re facing a challenging situation at work or feeling overwhelmed by a personal issue, taking a moment to pause and repeat affirmations like “I am safe in this moment” can immediately help reset your mindset and calm your nervous system.
  • During Meditation or Yoga Practice
    Affirmations can be a powerful addition to meditation or yoga, as both practices encourage mindfulness and deep breathing. Integrating affirmations like “I am stronger than the waves of anxiety” while holding a pose or meditating can deepen your practice and bring a sense of inner peace.

Conclusion: Transforming Anxiety into Empowerment

Anxiety is a challenge, but with the right tools, it is possible to face it with resilience and calm. By incorporating affirmations into your routine and pairing them with other anxiety-relief strategies like deep breathing, mindfulness, and therapy, you can create a powerful toolkit to manage anxiety.

Practice these affirmations regularly and notice how they help shift your mindset, reduce your anxiety, and bring you back to a place of peace and calm. With time and consistency, you’ll find that you can turn struggles into strength, one affirmation at a time.

Remember! Progress is not always linear, and some days may feel harder than others. Be patient with yourself as you continue to practice these tools, and trust that each step you take brings you closer to a calmer, more centered version of yourself. Consistent practice, paired with self-compassion, will allow you to embrace a life of greater peace, even in the face of anxiety.

Further Reading


Make sure you download our free affirmations eBook A Way Out – Positive Affirmations To Put You Back On Track

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a healthcare provider for personalized support regarding any concerns related to anxiety or mental health.