Positive affirmation benefits as Mel Giedroyc shares what she’s told Sue Perkins for 38 years
Former The Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc has revealed that she has told her former co-host and close friend Sue Perkins the same positive affirmation every year for 38 years.
On BBC Woman's Hour, the 56-year-old presenter opened up about the "optimistic" mantra she recites every year in the hopes that she is "willing" it to be a good one.
"I say every year to Sue Perkins, literally every year that I’ve known her, 'I think this is going to be a really good year for us' even in our bleakest times," she laughed, "I literally said it to her two days ago. I don’t know why.
"I think it can blast you through situations, can’t it, if you’re optimistic. But also it can come crashing down, but I’m prepared to go for the risk. I’ll go for optimism rather than thinking the glass is half empty."
When Nuala McGovern asked how Perkins responds, Giedroyc added: "She’s laughed at me for about 38 years, because it does come out every year - 'I think this is going to be a really good year for us.' It’s willing it to be a good year, and a lot of optimism is about willing it to be good."
Similarly, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse was seen using positive affirmations on I'm a Celebrity to calm her nerves down before doing a sky dive out of a plane.
As she was about to drop from the open helicopter door, Oti closed her eyes and repeated some positive affirmations to keep her anxiety at bay. "I am brave and I am strong," the professional dancer chanted, before she made the jump.
The health benefits of positive affirmations
Wellness advocates have been praising the benefits of positive affirmations for years. They're self-affirming phrases that people repeat out loud, with research by psychologists revealing they can help with reducing stress, enhancing academic performance and increasing physical activity.
"Positive affirmations can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety and improving mental wellbeing," explains holistic therapist, Kezia Kecibas. "By repeating affirmations, we shift our focus from fear or negative thoughts to empowering, calming messages. This can help reframe our mindset and create a sense of control, especially in high-pressure situations like Oti’s experience before jumping out of a plane on I’m a Celeb so it was good to see this being used on such a big platform."
Kecibas says affirmations work by interrupting the stress response and grounding us in the present moment, helping reduce anxiety and boost confidence. "This technique, when practiced regularly, can have a profound impact on mental health, supporting emotional resilience and a more positive outlook,” she adds.
Getting started with positive affirmations
While Oti's words of self-encouragement on last night's I'm a Celebrity looked well practiced. It can be difficult to know how to begin using positive affirmations if it isn't something you've tried before.
Choose your affirmations: Select positive, present-tense statements that resonate with you. "For example, 'I am calm and in control' or 'I am capable of handling any challenge'," Kecibas suggests.
Make it a routine: Kecibas recommends setting aside a few minutes daily to repeat your affirmations, whether aloud, written down, or recorded for on-the-go calming moments.
Focus on feelings: When repeating affirmations, focus on how they make you feel. "Visualise yourself embodying these positive traits and really see yourself feeling stronger, calm and more resilient," Kecibas advises.
Use them in moments of stress: In moments of anxiety Kecibas advises, stopping, taking a deep breath, and repeating your affirmations to regain focus and calm. "Again you need to repeat these but remember it can take time for affirmations to make a noticeable impact, so be patient and allow the process to work gradually," she adds.
"By following these steps, you can integrate affirmations into your routine, fostering a calmer and more positive mindset."
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