We all have times when we need to shift out of our negative thinking or unproductive patterns. Mantras are a useful tool for this. Use them to muster positive change when you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed in a life situation.
A review of current research reveals the benefits of incorporating mantras into our daily lives including creating positive energy, clarity, focus and a productive mindset.
Key Takeaways
Mantras are powerful tools that can shift your mindset for favourable outcomes. They’re useful in everyday life situations, including before major events, exercise, and times of stress or anxiety. Personalized mantras, such as “I am safe, I am in control, I am calm” are a few of the many examples.
Read on to learn how top athletes and successful business owners use mantras to stay focused and achieve their dreams.
Why chant mantras
People chant mantras to bring about a sense of calm, focus, and inner peace. You can also use them to cultivate a specific mindset or emotion in a particular situation. You can chant them out loud or whisper them silently to yourself.
Mantras can be used in a variety of ways throughout the day, beyond just during meditation, to help you stay focused on your goals and intentions.
By repeating a positive statement, you are programming your subconscious mind to believe in your abilities and achieve your dreams. Apart from the many traditional mantras used during meditation, you can use personalised affirmations as mantras at any time. There are also sayings that can make you laugh.
The following are 12 life-situation examples of where and how you can use affirmation mantras. (I recommend you take a couple of long slow breaths in and out to first relax to give these mantras the best chance to perform.)
During exercise
Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts use mantras to help them push through tough workouts and stay focused on their goals.
They use mantras to motivate themselves. Repeating a mantra such as “I am strong” or “I can do this” can help boost confidence and energy during a workout.
Mantra examples known to be used by top athletes:
- “Relentless” – Bill Rodgers, distance runner
- “I got this” – Laurie Hernandez, gymnast
- “Create the best possible conditions for success, then let go of the outcome” – Phil Jackson, Chicago Bulls coach
- “Why not you? Why not us?” – Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback
- “Calm, calm, calm. Relax, relax, relax” – Desiree Linden, marathoner
- “I deserve to win” – Marlen Esparza, female boxer
While driving
Commuting can be stressful, but repeating a calming mantra can help you stay calm and focused on the road.
The mantra “I am safe, I am in control, I am calm” can help to alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of control on the road.
Before a big meeting or presentation
Mantras can help people feel confident and focused before important events, such as job interviews or public speaking engagements.
They can help calm nerves and promote a sense of focus and confidence. Repeating a mantra such as “I am prepared” or “I am confident” can help shift the mindset from fear to positivity.
While cooking or cleaning
Doing household chores can be monotonous, but repeating a mantra can help make the task more meditative and peaceful.
Repeating a mantra “I am grateful for this moment, I am creating a peaceful home, I am taking care of myself and my loved ones” can help shift your focus to the present moment and foster a sense of contentment and self-care
When feeling overwhelmed
When feeling overwhelmed with stress or anxiety, repeating a calming mantra such as “I am at peace” or “I am calm” can help promote a sense of relaxation and inner peace.
A mantra like one of these can help you stay centred.
When feeling stuck or unmotivated
When feeling stuck or unmotivated, repeat a mantra such as “I am capable” or “I am motivated”. It can help shift the mindset and promote a sense of empowerment and motivation.
During a break or rest period
Taking a few moments during a break or rest period to repeat a mantra can help promote a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. Repeating a mantra such as “I am at ease” or “I am refreshed” can help promote a sense of calm and renewal.
When experiencing negative self-talk
Repeating a positive affirmation or mantra such as “I am worthy” or “I am enough” can help combat negative self-talk and promote self-love and acceptance.
When feeling angry or frustrated
Repeating a calming mantra such as “I am at peace” or “I am patient” can help diffuse feelings of anger or frustration and promote a sense of inner calm.
During a difficult conversation
When having a difficult conversation at work or with someone, repeating a mantra such as “I am open” or “I am compassionate” can help promote a sense of empathy and understanding.
When feeling disconnected
Repeating a mantra such as “I am connected” or “I am one with the universe” can help promote a sense of connection with others and the world around us.
Before going to bed
Using a mantra before going to bed can help promote a sense of relaxation and calm, and improve the quality of sleep. Repeating a mantra such as “I am at peace” or “I am grateful for this day” can help promote a sense of gratitude and inner peace before sleep.
Mantras for Motivation
Here are five motivational mantras that you can use to help inspire and motivate yourself in life situations:
- “I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.”
This mantra serves as a reminder that you are strong and capable and that you have the power within you to achieve great things. - “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.“
This quote by Winston Churchill reminds us that success and failure are both temporary and that what truly matters is having the courage to keep going, even when things get tough. - “I can and I will. Watch me.”
This powerful mantra is a declaration of your determination and resolve. Use it to remind yourself that you are capable of achieving your goals, and that nothing can stand in your way. - “Every day is a new opportunity to be better than yesterday.”
This mantra encourages us to embrace each day as a chance to grow, learn, and improve ourselves. Use it to remind yourself that every day is a fresh start, and that you have the power to make it a great one. - “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”
This mantra is all about self-belief and confidence. Use it to remind yourself that you are capable of overcoming any challenge, and that your potential is limitless.
Overall, mantras can be used in a variety of ways throughout the day to promote positive energy, focus, and well-being. As well as the simple Sanskrit mantras, you can experiment with different mantras and find ones that resonate with you and help you achieve your goals. Check out my tips for choosing and using mantras during meditation.
