Words of Encouragement: Positive Words For When You Need a Mental Pick-Me-Up

Words have a way to reroute our thoughts and behavior. They can make or break us, which is why we must be wary of the words we use when talking to ourselves, especially when we are not at our best selves. 

It should not be lost on us that how we talk to ourselves and others has an immense impact. And choosing the right words takes practice. Being able to use words for good can help you communicate better with the people around you. Whether it’s self-talk or helping out another person, here are a few encouraging words you might want to keep handy for when you need a mental pick-me-up.

Positive Words For When You Need a Mental Pick-Me-Up 

“What I do matters.”

It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily work. And at times, you might find yourself questioning whether what you do matters in the greater scheme of things. We all have those moments every once in a while. Whether you are part of a company, freelancing, or running a business, you have goals and targets. Ultimately, whatever you do contributes to their attainment. So, yes, what you do matters. And it matters more than you know.

“I take the power back when I take care of myself.”

Self-care is more than taking yourself to the spa for a mani-pedi session. It also means setting and maintaining boundaries. It means saying no to things that are not good for your mental health. It can mean refusing the urge to fill every afternoon of your week with an appointment and setting a few afternoons just for yourself. Self-care also means listening to your body — doing workouts that you enjoy and avoiding fad diets that make you feel bad about yourself and strain your relationship with food. Don’t feel guilty setting aside time for self-care. Rest is as important as work.

“I can’t control everything and that’s okay.”

“Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strengths, “ says author Corrie Ten Boom. Much of our daily anxieties come from worrying about things we have little control over. This quote right here reminds us that we risk not taking advantage of the opportunities of today when we worry too much about the future. Don’t get us wrong, planning is a way to go. However, if it makes you worry too much and keeps you from seeing the good in front of you, it’s time to step back and live in the moment.

“Be kind. Everyone is fighting a hard battle.”

This works for both self-talk and dealing with others. Be kind to yourself as you are already going through enough. Be your friend. It is also best to live by these words when you are handling a team at work. When you keep in mind that each person you work with has their battle to fight, it will be more natural for you to ensure that their work is appreciated and valued. 

“Assume positive intent.”

Oftentimes, the way we respond to other people’s behavior relies so much on how we perceive their intent. One way to keep you centered and stress-free is to assume that people mean well when they say or do something. For those whose jobs are client-facing, these are good words to live by. Assuming positive intent creates room for understanding. This may be a tough road to take for some, as we have become accustomed to being suspicious of people’s intentions. We’ve been taught to assume that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. However, assuming positive intent — without letting all your guards down, of course — rids you of unwanted stress.

“Change is okay.”

Our brain is wired to do things over and over again. We are creatures of habit after all. If you find yourself having to deal with change, remind yourself that change is okay. Change pushes you out of your comfort zone and gives your mindset, opinions, and belief system the opportunity to be challenged. And in turn, gives you a whole new perspective on who you are and what you believe. Change can also make you embrace new experiences while becoming more adaptable and flexible in the process.

“I define my success.”

It’s easy to feel like a failure when your measure of success is not entirely your own. Success means different things to different people. So, when you find yourself feeling like you haven’t been successful in your endeavors, remind yourself of what success looks like to you. What is your bottom line? What are your whys in life? Remind yourself that everything you do, whether baby steps or great things, gets you closer to your success.