- Affirmations work – they are backed up by scientific research. They work by repetition, and each time you repeat an affirmation to yourself, you are reinforcing your neural pathways and making them stronger. This is possible because of something called neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new information or experiences.
- You have to believe in what you are saying, so don’t choose affirmations that appear untrue or unattainable. Instead of “I am the most confident person in the world”, say “I am confident”.
- Some people respond best with “I am” statements, and others work best with “You are…”. Research suggests starting with the second-person “You are…” style.
- Create a list of between 2 and 10 affirmations. Then listen to each one, and repeat it to yourself, either out loud, or silently in your head. You can also consider sleep affirmations where you don’t need to repeat them - you just listen as you fall asleep.
- If you make a sleep affirmation playlist, set the length to 60 or 90 minutes.
- Sometimes they can start to work almost immediately, sometimes they can take 20 to 60 days to achieve the desired effect, and they don't work for some people. Key to their success though is to repeat them daily or listen in your sleep for long-lasting and positive change in your life.
What happens when you listen to positive affirmations when you sleep?
Listening to affirmations while you sleep works differently than when you're awake, thanks to the unique roles of the conscious and subconscious minds. When you drift off to sleep, your brain kicks off many important processes. New memories are stored, and unnecessary information is cleared out, starting in the first 70 to 100 minutes of sleep, known as the first sleep cycle. During this time, your conscious mind takes a break, but your subconscious mind stays alert and active.
Your subconscious mind is always listening and taking in everything around it, including affirmations. Because your conscious mind isn't there to filter out or block these messages, your subconscious can fully absorb and believe in every affirmation you hear. This makes it possible to shift your attitudes, beliefs, and even a negative mindset.
That's why listening to affirmations while you sleep can be so powerful!
