The Mood-Boosting Mantras Wellness Pros Swear by to Banish Stress and Anxiety

Photo: Instagram / @robinberzinmd

Positive thinking is powerful stuff: It can keep you calm, reduce your stress hormone (cortisol)—and even make your workouts more effective. (Seriously.) Happy thoughts can also help develop your prefrontal cortex—AKA the area of your brain that supports creativity. Sounds heady, but the practice itself could be as simple as reciting a mantra or affirmation.

There are ancient ones such as "sat nam" ("truth identified"), which Kundalini yogis (like self-help guru and Well+Good Council member Gabrielle Bernstein) swear by. Or more modern options like, IDK, #iamwellandgood. It's all about finding what works for you. And one of the best ways to do this is by hearing the sayings others find helpful.

Looking for some inspo? Scroll down to see the mantras 9 of our other Well+Good Council members turn to when they want to put positive self-talk into practice.

Kimberly Snyder, CN, celebrity nutritionist

I am enough and whole just as I am!

McKel Hill, RDN, founder of Nutrition Stripped

I show up fully for myself so I can serve and show up fully for others.

A post shared by Candice Kumai (@candicekumai) on

Candice Kumai, rockstar healthy chef

"Ki o tsukete" ("Take great care.") It's a salutation we use in Japanese culture. And we only use this term with sincerity.

Lila Darville, sex expert and relationship coach

Our deepest fear is not that we're inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we're powerful beyond measure.

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Robin Berzin, MD, functional medicine doctor

I already have everything I need.

Elle Macpherson, supermodel and co-founder of WelleCo

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Sophia Gushee, healthy home expert

Let go: Let go of the past, let go of mistakes, let go of regrets, let go of worries of the future, and just invite love into the available spaces.

A post shared by Drew Ramsey, MD (@drewramseymd) on

Drew Ramsey, MD, psychiatrist and farmer

Go to sleep. Your best step is your next step.

A post shared by Jill Blakeway (@jillblakeway) on

Jill Blakeway, DACM, acupuncturist and women's health expert

I tell myself that "source" runs through me, on a daily basis. Reminding myself of that helps me to stay connected to the intelligence that underpins the universe.

Here's why an a.m. mantra could be the best part of waking up. Plus, 12 morning affirmations you can try right now to kickstart your day

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