How to transform your brain activity with morning affirmations

What you say to yourself first thing in the morning could make or break your entire day, according to a psychiatrist whose simple eight-word solution has caught fire on social media. Morning affirmations, as simple as speaking one sentence aloud, have caught the attention of millions searching for ways to fight off negative thoughts.

Dr. Daniel Amen, who studies brain images and treats famous clients, says these words can help rewire your brain for positivity: "Today is going to be a great day." This straightforward message shared through his popular TikTok channel has resonated with viewers worldwide who struggle with negative thoughts.

"When you speak these words out loud, your subconscious mind begins to look for activities and moments you are looking forward to experiencing as the day unfolds," Amen said in his viral video post. He emphasizes that the phrase can be effective whether spoken to oneself or others.

Amen connects the practice to brain function. "This is very important. Negative people have lower activity, especially in the prefrontal cortex. You want to start every day with 'Today is going to be a great day,'" he said.

Research suggests many Americans already recognize the importance of morning affirmations. According to a study, 85% of Americans actively try to maintain positive thoughts each morning. For half of those surveyed, the day begins with a combination of morning coffee and exercise to create a positive outlook.

The survey revealed other popular morning practices for maintaining positivity, including smiling while thinking positive thoughts, waking up early, and starting the day with meditation.

Scientific research supports the value of positive thinking. A 2024 study found that daily affirmation practices increased self-compassion and mental well-being among college students while reducing stress levels. The research indicated that more frequent repetition of affirmations yielded greater benefits.

Additionally, a 2022 study from the Boston University School of Medicine revealed that individuals with optimistic outlooks reported fewer negative moods. Other research has linked positive thinking to reduced memory loss and cognitive decline in older adults.

Beyond the morning affirmation, Amen emphasizes the importance of maintaining positivity throughout the day. In another viral TikTok video, he addressed mental strength. "To be mentally strong, you have to notice what you like about other people more than what you don't like," he said.

He drew parallels to effective teaching and parenting styles: "I often think of good parents, coaches, and teachers. They notice what they like and teach when things aren't good." In contrast, he noted that "bad bosses, bad teachers, bad parents, they notice the negative and never let you forget it."