Saying daily affirmations out loud each day can improve your mental health. How? By speaking the same positive statements regularly, you will begin to internalize what those words mean to you. Many people have a habit of speaking negatively about themselves, either in their heads or out loud. For example, they might tell themselves that they’re unattractive, unworthy of love, or not very smart. Over time, people believe what they say about themselves, so if you have struggled with this habit of chronic negativity, turning it around can literally change your life! Here are ten daily affirmations you should say each day to improve your mental health, boost your self-esteem, and otherwise make your life better.

#1 I Love Myself

Do you ever feel unlovable and unloved? While there are, no doubt, people who love you, there are times when all of us feel lonely, not accepted, and forgotten about. The good news is that you can (and should!) love yourself! It doesn’t matter if you aren’t where you want to be in life, if you don’t look the way you want to, or even if you aren’t acting the way you want to act toward others; you can stop, look in the mirror, appreciate what you see, and tell yourself, “I love you!”

#2 I Am Worthy of Love and Respect

Sometimes people get into a cycle of accepting unloving and disrespectful behavior from others. Does this sound familiar? Unfortunately, other people will sometimes act in ways that we wish they wouldn’t. Sometimes, it’s unintentional: In this case, you can learn to speak up and say, “I do not appreciate the way you are acting or speaking.” Other times, it might be intentional. When this happens, you can walk away from the person and, if it persists, from the relationship. Tell yourself (and believe) that you are worthy of love and respect, then expect it from others.

#3 My Happiness Matters

Do you have the habit of putting yourself last? You deserve to be happy and to do the things that you want to do in life. If, for example, your friends think it’s silly to join the drama club but you have always wanted to belt out show tunes on stage, you have every right to pursue what makes you happy. Tell yourself every day that your happiness matters and that you can make the decisions that are right for you.

#4 I Am Powerful and Strong

You have overcome obstacles in your life, and you will continue to overcome obstacles as the year and decades go by. The great news is that you are powerful enough and strong enough to meet these hurdles and jump right over them. Remind yourself of the difficult times you have gotten through and that you are strong and powerful. Go you!

#5 I Can Create My Own Happiness

If you are depending on someone else to make you happy, you will, at some point, be disappointed. Your parents, friends, romantic partners, and other loved ones simply cannot take responsibility for making sure that you are happy. The only person who can create happiness for you is… YOU! Remind yourself every day that you are not only responsible for creating your own happiness but also very capable of doing so.

#6 I Have Much to Be Thankful For

Being grateful can be difficult when you find yourself in difficult circumstances. Even on your worst days, there are things you can be grateful for. The sun rises each day; you can be thankful for another day on earth. If you have a home to live in, food to eat, a healthy body, or someone to love you, you can write this down in a gratitude journal. Keeping a record of the things you are grateful for will help you when you are feeling depressed, anxious, or negative.

#7 I Am Not Fearful

Everyone is afraid of something, and you are no exception. You can overcome your fears, however. Whether it’s something simple, like a fear of the spider hanging out in your bathtub, or something much bigger, like the fear that you will lose a loved one to a serious disease, you can overcome the negative thoughts that are paralyzing you and making you feel anxious. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help; talk to your doctor about a referral to a therapist if your fear is too large for you to overcome on your own.

#8 I Can Let Go of The Past

Has someone hurt you in the past? Or maybe you’re having a hard time forgiving yourself for something that you have done. You can let go of that past and move on with your life. Tell yourself daily that you can release past transgressions, whether they were done to you or by you; this can help you move along into your future without something negative hanging over your head. These types of daily affirmations can help lessen past anxieties and help you focus on the future.

#9 I Have Talents, Strengths, and Abilities

Sometimes it can be hard to remember what you are good at, especially if you are struggling with something that you are not-so-good at. Maybe you aren’t the best at math or keeping your bedroom clean, but you’re a great friend, a wonderful writer, a gifted singer, and good at caring for small children. Remind yourself of what you are good at rather than dwell on whatever talents and abilities you feel that you are lacking.

#10 I Take the Time to Care for Myself

It is important that you take care of your physical and mental health. These daily affirmations are one way to take care of your mental health! Some ways you can take care of your physical health include eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and avoiding substances that could harm you. Make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up and go see your dentist for a cleaning if you are due for one. By taking care of yourself, you are, in essence, telling yourself that you love yourself. Remind yourself every day that you can and will take the time to practice self-care and say you daily affirmations.