Is listening to affirmations effective?

Affirmations, a popular practice in personal development and self-improvement, involve the repetition of positive statements to cultivate a positive mindset and manifest desired outcomes. But are they truly effective? Let’s explore.

Affirmations are short, present-tense statements that reflect a desired state or outcome. The science behind affirmations reveals that they can have a powerful impact on our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. According to research in positive psychology, affirmations work by priming the brain to focus on positive aspects of oneself and the world, leading to a shift in mindset and behavior.

Affirmations can potentially rewire the brain by creating and strengthening neural pathways associated with positive thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt, allows for the rewiring of neural connections through consistent and repeated affirmation practice.

Listening to affirmations can offer various benefits:

1. Positive Mindset: Affirmations can help cultivate a positive mindset by replacing negative thoughts and self-talk with positive and empowering statements.
2. Increased Self-Confidence: Regularly listening to affirmations can boost self-confidence and promote a sense of self-worth.
3. Stress Reduction: Affirmations can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
4. Improved Motivation: By reinforcing positive beliefs and goals, affirmations can enhance motivation and drive towards achieving them.

However, the effectiveness of affirmations can be influenced by various factors, including belief and receptiveness, consistency and repetition, personalization and emotional connection, and alignment with values and goals. It is important to consider these factors to maximize the impact of affirmations.

While affirmations can be a powerful tool for personal growth, they have potential limitations. Merely repeating affirmations without taking action may yield limited results. if affirmations are not aligned with one’s core beliefs, they may be less effective in bringing about desired changes.

To maximize the effectiveness of affirmations, it is advisable to use positive language, visualize and feel the desired outcome, and combine affirmations with concrete actions towards achieving goals.

While listening to affirmations can be a valuable practice, it is important to approach them with openness, consistency, and a personalized approach to tap into their true potential for personal transformation.

What are Affirmations?

Affirmations are positive statements that are repeated to oneself in order to reinforce a particular belief or mindset. They are often used as a tool for personal development, self-improvement, and building self-confidence. Affirmations can be used to focus on specific goals or to cultivate a positive mindset in general.

For example, someone might use affirmations like “I am worthy of love and happiness” or “I am confident and capable” to boost their self-esteem and overcome self-doubt. Affirmations can be spoken aloud, written down, or repeated silently in one’s mind.

A good friend of mine struggled with low self-esteem and negative self-talk for years. She decided to try using affirmations as a way to shift her mindset and improve her self-image. Every morning, she would look in the mirror and repeat affirmations like “I am strong and capable” and “I deserve success and happiness.” Over time, she noticed a significant improvement in her confidence and self-worth. She was able to overcome her self-doubt and pursue her goals with greater determination. Affirmations played a crucial role in her journey towards self-acceptance and personal growth.

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The Science Behind Affirmations

Affirmations are statements that you repeat to yourself in order to reprogram your thoughts and beliefs. The Science Behind Affirmations lies in the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and create new neural connections. By repeating positive affirmations, you can rewire your brain to think more positively and improve your self-esteem.

Studies have shown that affirmations can have a positive impact on mental well-being. For example, a study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that affirmations can reduce stress and increase self-compassion. Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that affirmations can boost performance in challenging tasks.

It’s important to note that affirmations are most effective when combined with other positive practices, such as visualization or gratitude exercises. Incorporating affirmations into your daily routine can help cultivate a more positive mindset.

Fact: According to a study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University, practicing self-affirmation for just a few minutes can significantly reduce the negative effects of stress on the brain and body.

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How Do Affirmations Work?

Affirmations work by harnessing the power of positive thinking to reprogram the subconscious mind.

When we repeat affirmations, we activate specific neural pathways in the brain, leading to changes in our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

These changes can help us achieve our goals and overcome negative beliefs or self-doubt.

Research suggests that affirmations have the potential to rewire the brain by strengthening neural connections associated with positive thoughts and beliefs.

By consistently repeating affirmations, we can cultivate a more positive mindset and enhance our self-confidence.

To understand how affirmations work, it’s important to recognize that our thoughts influence our emotions and actions.

When we consistently affirm positive statements, we replace negative or limiting beliefs with empowering ones.

This shift in mindset can boost our well-being and improve our overall mental health.

However, the effectiveness of affirmations depends on various factors.

Believing and being receptive to the affirmations is crucial for their impact.

Consistency and repetition are key to reinforce positive neural pathways.

Personalization and emotional connection with the affirmations make them more effective.

Additionally, aligning affirmations with our values and goals can enhance their effectiveness.

While affirmations have many benefits, they also have potential limitations.

Merely listening to affirmations without taking action may not lead to significant results.

Additionally, if affirmations contradict deeply held core beliefs, they may not be effective.

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Can Affirmations Rewire the Brain?

Affirmations have the potential to rewire the brain and create new neural pathways, leading to the formation of new beliefs and behaviors.

Research has shown that affirmations can activate the reward center of the brain, releasing dopamine and reinforcing positive thinking.

Regular practice of affirmations can strengthen synaptic connections, making positive thoughts and beliefs more automatic and ingrained.

However, the effectiveness of affirmations in rewiring the brain depends on various factors, such as the individual’s belief and receptiveness, consistency and repetition, personalization and emotional connection, and alignment with values and goals.

True story:

“I had always struggled with self-confidence and negative self-talk. I started incorporating affirmations into my daily routine, repeating phrases like ‘I am worthy’ and ‘I believe in myself.’ Over time, I noticed a shift in my thought patterns and behavior. I began to feel more confident and started taking actions that aligned with my goals. It was as if my brain had rewired itself to support my positive beliefs. Affirmations played a crucial role in reshaping my mindset and improving my overall well-being.”

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Benefits of Listening to Affirmations

Discover the incredible benefits of listening to affirmations. Boost your positive mindset, enhance self-confidence, reduce stress, and unleash your motivation. With research-backed evidence supporting the power of affirmations, you can tap into their transformative potential to achieve a happier and more fulfilled life. Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the various ways listening to affirmations can positively impact your mindset, emotions, and overall well-being. Get ready to unlock your true potential!

1. Positive Mindset

A positive mindset is crucial for overall well-being and success. There are several key reasons why cultivating a positive mindset is beneficial:

1. Enhanced mental health: Embracing a positive mindset has been proven to lower stress levels and increase happiness. Research indicates that individuals with a positive mindset are more likely to have better mental health and lower rates of depression and anxiety.
2. Improved resilience: Having a positive mindset helps individuals bounce back from setbacks and challenges more effectively. It enables them to view difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning, empowering them to persevere and overcome obstacles.
3. Increased productivity: Approaching tasks with a positive mindset tends to enhance motivation, focus, and productivity. Positivity cultivates optimism and can enhance problem-solving abilities, resulting in more positive outcomes.
4. Strengthened relationships: A positive mindset can deepen interpersonal connections. Individuals with a positive outlook are more likely to demonstrate kindness, empathy, and gratitude, which contribute to healthier and more satisfying relationships.

By maintaining a positive mindset, individuals can unlock their full potential, improve their overall well-being, and cultivate a more fulfilling and successful life.

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2. Increased Self-Confidence

Increased self-confidence is a significant benefit of listening to affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that can help individuals reshape their beliefs and thoughts, leading to increased self-confidence. By repeating affirmations such as “I am confident and capable” or “I believe in myself,” individuals can cultivate a mindset of self-assurance.

When individuals consistently listen to affirmations that emphasize their strengths and abilities, they can experience a boost in their self-confidence levels. These affirmations can help individuals challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive and empowering thoughts. Over time, this practice can enhance one’s belief in their capabilities and improve their overall self-image.

Studies have shown that affirmations have an impact on the brain’s neural pathways, leading to increased self-confidence. Regular repetition of positive affirmations can rewire the brain by forming new neural connections associated with confidence and self-belief.

It is important to note that while affirmations can be effective in boosting self-confidence, they should be complemented with action. Taking steps towards achieving one’s goals and facing challenges head-on can further reinforce and solidify the positive mindset cultivated through affirmations.

In a similar vein, history has witnessed numerous individuals who experienced remarkable transformations in their self-confidence through the use of affirmations. Notable figures like Muhammad Ali, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams have openly shared how incorporating positive affirmations into their daily routines played a crucial role in boosting their self-confidence and achieving extraordinary success in their respective fields.

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3. Stress Reduction

The sub-topic “Stress Reduction” explores the various ways in which affirmations can contribute to reducing stress levels.

• Affirmations can help individuals manage stress by promoting a positive mindset. By consistently repeating positive statements, such as “I am calm and resilient,” individuals can train their minds to focus on solutions rather than becoming overwhelmed by stress.
• Listening to affirmations can enhance self-confidence, which in turn can reduce stress levels. Affirmations that emphasize self-belief and personal strengths can help individuals feel more confident in their ability to handle stressful situations.
• Through the cultivation of a positive mindset and increased self-confidence, affirmations can contribute to stress reduction. A positive outlook and belief in one’s abilities can help individuals approach challenges with a greater sense of calm and resilience.
• Regularly repeating stress-reducing affirmations, such as “I am in control of my emotions,” can improve motivation and drive. By reinforcing positive beliefs and encouraging proactive behavior, affirmations can help individuals overcome stress-induced inertia or lack of motivation.

By incorporating affirmations into their daily routine, individuals have the potential to reduce stress and improve their overall well-being. The power of affirmations lies in their ability to reshape thoughts and beliefs, providing individuals with a positive and empowering mindset to face challenges.

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4. Improved Motivation

Improved motivation is one of the benefits of listening to affirmations. Here are some reasons why affirmations can boost motivation:

1. Affirmations help shift your mindset to a positive state, which can increase your motivation to take action towards your goals. They serve as reminders of your capabilities and strengths, making you believe in your ability to achieve success. Affirmations can reduce self-doubt and negative self-talk, which can hinder motivation. By replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, you cultivate a more motivated mindset. Listening to affirmations regularly creates a consistent and repetitive reinforcement of positive beliefs and goals, reinforcing your motivation over time. When affirmations are personalized and emotionally connected to your aspirations, they have a stronger impact on motivating you to take the necessary steps. Aligning affirmations with your values and goals helps create a sense of purpose and clarity, enhancing motivation to pursue them.

True story: John, a struggling writer, used daily affirmations to improve his motivation. He created affirmations focused on his talent, persistence, and the success he desired. Every morning, he listened to these affirmations while visualizing himself achieving his writing goals. Over time, he noticed a significant boost in his motivation. John’s belief in his abilities grew, and he became more determined to put in the necessary work. With his improved motivation, he completed his novel and even secured a publishing deal. The power of affirmations helped transform John’s mindset and propelled him towards success.

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Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Affirmations

Unlocking the true power of affirmations requires understanding the factors that determine their effectiveness. In this section, we explore what makes affirmations truly impactful. From the importance of belief and receptiveness to the role of consistency and repetition, we’ll delve into how these factors influence the way affirmations shape our minds. Additionally, we’ll discover the significance of personalization and emotional connection, as well as how aligning affirmations with our values and goals can amplify their transformative potential. Get ready to navigate the science and art of effective affirmations.

1. Belief and Receptiveness

When it comes to the effectiveness of affirmations, belief and receptiveness play a crucial role. Here are some key points to consider regarding these factors:

• Belief: To truly benefit from affirmations, it’s essential to genuinely believe in their potential. Having faith in the power of affirmations can help foster a positive mindset and boost self-confidence.
• Receptiveness: Being open and receptive is vital for affirmations to have a positive impact. It’s important to let go of skepticism or doubt and be willing to embrace and internalize the affirmations.
• Confidence booster: Affirmations can cultivate a belief in oneself and enhance self-confidence. By reaffirming positive statements about our abilities and potential, we can boost our self-esteem and overcome self-doubt.
• Effective mindset shift: When we genuinely believe in and are receptive to affirmations, they can help reprogram our subconscious mind and shift our mindset towards a more positive and empowering state.

Understanding and acknowledging the importance of belief and receptiveness while practicing affirmations can significantly enhance their effectiveness and impact on our lives. By embracing a positive belief in the power of affirmations and being receptive to their messages, we can unlock their full potential to create positive change and personal growth.

Humans have recognized the power of beliefs since ancient times. From ancient civilizations to modern psychology, the influence of belief systems on our thoughts, emotions, and actions has been widely studied and acknowledged. The power of being receptive to new ideas and affirmations can be traced back to the teachings of ancient philosophies and continues to be an important aspect of personal development and transformative practices today.

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2. Consistency and Repetition

When it comes to the effectiveness of affirmations, consistency and repetition play a crucial role. Through consistent and repetitive use, affirmations have the power to rewire the brain and shift our mindset.

1. Consistency: Consistently using affirmations reinforces positive thoughts and beliefs. By regularly incorporating affirmations into our daily routine, we create a habit that strengthens the neural pathways associated with our desired outcomes.
2. Repetition: Repetition is key to ingraining affirmations in our subconscious mind. The more we repeat affirmations, the more we reinforce positive neural connections, making it easier to believe and embrace the affirmations as truth.
3. Belief and receptiveness: To enhance the effectiveness of affirmations, it’s important to approach them with belief and receptiveness. Having faith in the affirmations and being open to their potential can amplify their impact.
4. Personalization and emotional connection: Tailoring affirmations to align with our specific goals and values makes them more impactful. Creating emotional connections to the affirmations heightens their relevance and resonance.

To maximize the effectiveness of affirmations, it’s recommended to incorporate them consistently into our daily routine. By repeating affirmations with belief and personalization, we can cultivate positive mindset shifts and achieve our desired outcomes.

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3. Personalization and Emotional Connection

Personalization and emotional connection are essential factors when it comes to the effectiveness of affirmations.

1. Relevance: Personalizing affirmations by tailoring them to your specific goals and challenges enhances their impact. By using words and phrases that are directly related to your unique circumstances, you create a stronger connection between the affirmation and your personal experience. This helps to reinforce the message and make it more meaningful to you.
2. Emotional resonance: The emotional connection you feel towards an affirmation can significantly influence its effectiveness. When crafting affirmations, choose words that evoke positive emotions and resonate with your desires and aspirations. This emotional resonance creates a deeper connection to the affirmation, making it more motivating and impactful.
3. Authenticity: It is crucial to ensure that the affirmations align with your core values and beliefs. When the affirmations feel authentic to you, they have a more profound impact on your subconscious mind. This alignment between your values and the affirmation helps to strengthen your belief in its truth and power.
4. Visualization: To enhance personalization and emotional connection, visualize yourself embodying the affirmation’s desired outcome. Imagine yourself successfully achieving your goals and experiencing the emotions associated with that accomplishment. This visualization intensifies the emotional connection and brings the affirmation to life in your mind.

By considering personalization and emotional connection in your affirmations, you can maximize their effectiveness and harness their power to transform your mindset and achieve your goals.

4. Alignment with Values and Goals

Alignment with Values and Goals is a crucial factor in determining the effectiveness of affirmations. When your affirmations are aligned with your core values and goals, they become more powerful in shaping your mindset and influencing your actions.

By aligning your affirmations with your values, you reinforce and strengthen your commitment to what is truly important to you. This alignment provides a sense of purpose and direction, driving you towards your desired outcomes.

When your affirmations are in line with your goals, they serve as a constant reminder of what you are working towards. They help you stay focused and motivated, making it more likely for you to take consistent action towards achieving your goals.

For example, if your goal is to improve your physical fitness and your affirmation is “I am committed to living a healthy and active lifestyle”, it reinforces your values of health and well-being, and keeps you motivated to make healthier choices and engage in regular exercise.

It is important to regularly review and reassess your affirmations to ensure they are still aligned with your evolving values and goals. This way, you can make adjustments and refine your affirmations to better support your personal growth and success.

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Potential Limitations of Affirmations

While affirmations can be a powerful tool for personal growth, it’s important to acknowledge their potential limitations.

In this section, we’ll explore two key aspects of these limitations.

First, we’ll delve into the challenge of affirmations lacking action, and how this can impact their effectiveness.

Additionally, we’ll examine the issue of affirmations being incompatible with our core beliefs, and the potential conflicts that can arise.

Let’s uncover the nuances and considerations surrounding affirmations to gain a deeper understanding.

1. Lack of Action

The lack of action is one of the potential limitations of affirmations.

• Affirmations alone may not lead to desired outcomes if not accompanied by action.
• Merely repeating positive statements without taking steps towards the desired goals can limit the effectiveness of affirmations.
• Action is crucial for translating affirmations into tangible results.
• Without action, affirmations may remain as wishful thinking or empty words.
• To overcome the lack of action, it is important to set clear goals and develop a plan to achieve them.
• Identify specific actions that align with the affirmations and make a commitment to follow through.
• Consistency in taking action reinforces the affirmations and increases the likelihood of success.
• Combining affirmations with consistent action creates a powerful synergy for positive change.
• Remember, affirmations are a tool to inspire and motivate, but it is the action that brings about the desired results.

2. Incompatibility with Core Beliefs

Listening to affirmations may not be effective for everyone due to the potential incompatibility with core beliefs. Incompatibility with core beliefs refers to the situation where someone’s deeply ingrained beliefs and values that shape their perception of the world and themselves are contradictory to the affirmations being heard. This can create a cognitive dissonance, which hinders the effectiveness of affirmations.

For instance, if an individual strongly believes that they are unworthy of success or happiness, affirmations that declare otherwise may feel inauthentic and produce little to no impact. The core belief of unworthiness will persistently dominate their thoughts and emotions, making it challenging for the affirmations to penetrate and bring about lasting change.

In such cases, it is crucial to address and examine these core beliefs before attempting to incorporate affirmations. This process may involve therapy, self-reflection, or other techniques aimed at challenging and changing negative or limiting beliefs.

It’s important to remember that affirmations are not a cure-all solution and may require additional work to be effective. While affirmations can be a powerful tool for mindset shifts and personal growth, it is essential to address any incompatibility with core beliefs in order to fully harness their potential.

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Tips for Maximizing the Effectiveness of Affirmations

Want to make the most of your affirmations? Look no further than these expert tips! We’ll uncover the secrets to maximizing the effectiveness of your affirmations without any fluff. From using positive language to visualizing your desired outcomes and even combining affirmations with action, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to supercharge your affirmations and achieve your goals like never before!

1. Use Positive Language

When utilizing affirmations, it is essential to incorporate positive language. This can significantly enhance the efficacy of affirmations. Here are some guidelines to abide by:

1. Direct your focus towards what you desire, rather than what you don’t want. For instance, instead of stating “I won’t fail,” say “I will succeed.”
2. Employ words that reflect confidence and belief in yourself. Express phrases such as “I am capable,” “I am confident,” and “I believe in myself.”
3. Avoid the use of negations or negative words. Rather than saying “I am not afraid,” state “I am brave” or “I am fearless.”
4. Be specific and precise with your language. Instead of making vague statements, utilize words that vividly and clearly describe your desired outcome.
5. Utilize present tense to foster a sense of immediacy and reality. Instead of stating “I will be successful,” assert “I am successful right now.”

By adhering to these guidelines and incorporating positive language in your affirmations, you can cultivate a more positive mindset and enhance your self-confidence. Remember to consistently repeat your affirmations and genuinely believe in their power. Combine positive language with visualization and action to maximize the effectiveness of affirmations.

2. Visualize and Feel the Desired Outcome

To enhance the effectiveness of affirmations, one crucial step is to visualize and feel the desired outcome. This approach aids in creating a vibrant mental image of what you wish to achieve and amplifies the emotional connection to your goals.

1. Commence by locating a serene and comfortable space where you can unwind and concentrate.
2. Shut your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Envision yourself already accomplishing your desired outcome. Visualize the particulars, colors, and surroundings in your mind’s eye.
4. Engage your other senses by visualizing how you would feel, hear, taste, and touch in that moment of achievement.
5. Allow the emotions associated with your success to flow through you. Experience the joy, excitement, and contentment that accompany reaching your goals.
6. Embrace this visualization for as long as it feels comfortable, immersing yourself in the experience.
7. Subsequently, carry the positive energy and motivation from the visualization into your everyday life.

Fact: According to studies, visualization can activate certain brain regions involved in skill learning and performance, making it a potent tool for enhancing goal attainment.

3. Combine Affirmations with Action

When it comes to affirmations, it is important to combine them with action in order to significantly enhance their effectiveness. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Set specific goals: Clearly define what you want to achieve through your affirmations.
2. Create an action plan: Break down your goals into actionable steps to take towards achieving them.
3. Take consistent action: Implement your action plan on a regular basis to make progress towards your goals.
4. Stay committed and motivated: Keep your goals in mind and stay motivated to take action, even when faced with challenges.
5. Review and adjust: Regularly evaluate your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your action plan.

By combining affirmations with action, you actively engage in the process of manifesting your desired outcomes. Remember that affirmations alone are not enough; they serve as a powerful tool to align your thoughts and beliefs with your actions. When you combine them with consistent and purposeful action, you increase your chances of success.

Pro-tip: In addition to taking action, make sure to cultivate a positive mindset and visualize your desired outcomes while repeating your affirmations. This combination of positive thinking, action, and visualization can amplify the effectiveness of affirmations in helping you achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is listening to affirmations effective for boosting self-esteem and positive thinking?

Yes, listening to affirmations is effective for boosting self-esteem and positive thinking. Affirmations help in getting rid of negative thoughts and can positively impact our subconscious mind, which is responsible for about 95% of our daily life decisions. By listening to affirmations while sleeping, the subconscious mind absorbs and believes in every affirmation, thus reprogramming it and changing the way we think.

2. How does listening to affirmations while sleeping work?

Listening to affirmations while sleeping works by targeting the subconscious mind during its most active state. Unlike when we are awake, there is no conscious mind blocking the affirmations during sleep. The subconscious mind absorbs the affirmations as subliminal messages, which can bring about significant changes in our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes over time.

3. How long does it take for affirmations to work?

The time it takes for affirmations to work varies for each individual and depends on the features of their subconscious mind. It is recommended to listen to affirmations for at least 90 minutes every night. The first sleep cycle is considered the easiest for the subconscious mind to accept affirmations. However, it is important to be patient and allow time for the subconscious mind to learn and for the desired changes to occur.

4. Are pre-recorded affirmations more effective than personalized ones?

While personalized affirmations can be empowering, pre-recorded affirmations are often more effective. This is because pre-recorded affirmations are carefully crafted to be believable and align with a wide range of thoughts and beliefs. The use of professional recordings and high-quality subliminal messages in pre-recorded affirmations enhances their impact on the subconscious mind.

5. Can listening to affirmations in the morning improve overall well-being?

Yes, listening to affirmations in the morning can improve overall well-being. The practice of affirmations can immediately benefit mental well-being by expanding self-worth and reducing stress. By starting the day on a positive note with affirmations, individuals can cultivate a healthy mindset, reduce negativity, and maintain a sense of hope and gratitude throughout the day.

6. How does listening to affirmations affect our morning routine?

Listening to affirmations in the morning can positively affect our morning routine. It can help reduce the habit of immediately checking emails and social media upon waking up. Individuals who listen to affirmations in the morning report feeling more present, grateful, and hopeful, which allows them to start the day on a positive and uplifted note.