Mirror work is a type of self-love practice that involves reciting affirming statements in the mirror. Seeing your reflection as you say them is said to improve your self-esteem and rewire your self-perception. For some, it can feel odd at first, but the more you do it, the more natural and amazing it feels. Let’s learn more about this very topic through this guide down below.
What You’ll Learn
- What mirror work is and its benefits
- How to practice mirror work
- Tips for doing mirror work
Benefits of Mirror Work
Engaging in mirror work as an act of self-love has perks when done consistently and with full dedication. Read more about those perks down below.
1 It uplifts your mood and confidence.
Especially when you do it first thing in the morning, it just sets you up for success for the rest of the day. You just feel more motivated to do anything and everything even. This mindset helps you succeed in any aspect of your life. In turn, it also helps you counter any negative thoughts and challenges directed at you and emphasizes genuine positivity.
2 It decreases your stress and anxiety.
Mirror work can calm and relax your mind, reducing tension. From any negative patterns your brain has formed, they become building blocks to a more positive and winning mindset that works in your favor.
3 It makes you mindful.
Mirror work is a time to reflect and look deeper into yourself, the good and the ugly. When you give yourself this time, you become more aware of what you’re allowing into your life and what you’re not. For instance, you’re allowing mirror work to empower you and let the negativity gradually go away.
4 It’s emotionally healing and freeing.
It takes a whole lot of bravery to do mirror work! You’re allowing yourself to be vulnerable and honest as you face your deepest insecurities and traumas. In turn, you give yourself space to express your pain and forgive yourself. That way, the space that once held pain can be filled with affirming words and statements. The journey may vary from person to person, but with dedication and consistency, you will start to feel lighter and more optimistic.
5 It teaches you self-acceptance.
Mirror work gives you space to accept and empower every aspect of yourself. From the good to the flaws, there’s nothing that’ll be missed out and makes you stronger as a person. Because yes, I know who I am, and I’m glad that this is how and where I turned out to be!
How to Do Mirror Work
Onto the fun and productive part! Check out this section for a step-by-step breakdown on how to practice this self-love practice.
1 Choose a good time to do this.
They say timing is everything. If you’re more available in the morning before work, take advantage of it. As mentioned earlier, anything done in the morning can impact your mood and actions for the day. So make it work in your favor! But regardless, this first step is quite subjective. If afternoons or evenings work better, then carve out time to do this activity. Schedule it even so it gives you more of a push to show up for yourself.
Another way to view this is that a good time for you is when you’re feeling your best. The last thing you want to do is mirror work in a relatively bad mood, such as stress or anger. It’ll just give you the opposite effect.
2 Go to a private, comfortable space.
This type of place may vary from person to person, but what’s vital is that it’s somewhere you feel safe opening up within yourself without outside distractions. You can either sit or stand in front of the mirror.
3 Lock eye contact with yourself.
Okay, this can be awkward, but hear us out! This step helps you build a deeper, more intimate connection with your inner self. So the more times you practice this, the easier it becomes.
4 Recite your affirmations.
Your affirmations may be made and said on the spot, but it’s best to have a physical copy of the statements you want to say. It keeps you organized and gives you more control over the session. When you’re done reciting them, you may repeat them a few more times if you choose to really affirm and reassure yourself.
5 Be present in the moment.
As mentioned earlier, mirror work is a mindful activity. It means being fully present and aware during it. Focus on everything you’re saying and fully feel the emotions that surface. Note down what those exact emotions are towards the different statements, whether it’s positive or there’s still some resistance that can be worked on. And when you’re done, you can even give yourself a hug after because you did something amazing for yourself and your well-being!
6 Switch up the affirmations.
Over time, your needs change, meaning the affirmations you’re already reciting may also need some revising. Today, you need self-compassion, and tomorrow, you need motivation to get through the day. Listen to what your mind and body need so you’re better aligned and keep your emotions in check.
7 Practice consistently.
Literally the key to making mirror work a habit if you’re thinking long-term. Your brain can only remember the patterns you set daily, so make sure they’re patterns that benefit you, like this practice. Even a few minutes of your day spent at any accessible mirror reaffirms the practice’s importance to you.
8 Observe and reflect.
When it’s your first time doing mirror work, you may want to check out what’s effective and what can be fixed or omitted the next time you do it. You can also check in with yourself by asking what you’re feeling throughout the session, which affirmations connect with you, and maybe even one thing that you’re grateful for.
Bonus Tips to Make Mirror Work Effective
Mirror work can work for you if you’re authentic and real with it. If not, you’re just reciting sweet, flowery words that’ll just come and go in your mind. To make it really stick in your routine, browse through our tips below.
1 Make and choose affirmations that suit you.
Ask yourself: what needs work in your self-development? Whatever comes up, let that be the main topic of your mirror work session. If it’s confidence, some sample affirmations include:
- I am powerful just as I am.
- I am capable of anything I set my mind to.
- I choose positivity over self-doubt.
- I believe in my skills and abilities.
- I am enough as I am.
2 Dedicate a few minutes a day to it.
With any new practice, starting small and at a set time makes it easier to stay consistent. In this case, try doing mirror work in your bedroom for 5 minutes before going to school or work. Once you’re accustomed to that, you add another minute or 5, then do another session when you get home. The more you show up, the more your brain will process that “oh, this is important!”.
3 Do it at any reflective surface when you can.
At the start, you’d rather stick to a mirror in your space because it feels safe, and Exposure is a practice that reduces any nerves about looking in the mirror for as long as you consider “too long.”
4 Batch it with other tasks.
No, this is not multitasking. We aren’t fans of that. Instead, you’re grouping similar tasks together for one productive work block. Or rather, self-love block. When you’ve gotten the hang of mirror work, try doing it while you’re doing your makeup or skincare. The extra physical touch adds more magic and confidence in the process.
5 Take aligned action.
It’s one thing to just recite an affirmation. It’s another to take aligned action to further instill in your system that you’re that type of person. Consider it a way to fast-forward into building a deeper journey of self-acceptance and self-love. For example, you affirm to yourself that you’re brave. On that day, do one thing that puts you outside your comfort zone. This further empowers you and further confirms the affirmation as truth.
6 Be gentle and patient with yourself.
Just like any new activity or one that can rewire your self-perception, it takes time to adjust and reap all its benefits. The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. So if you feel awkward or off in the start, tell yourself that it’s okay and that you can try again later or tomorrow. Showing up regardless makes you more resilient. Don’t give up, reader!
Summary
- Mirror work is a great tool for rewiring how you view yourself and building your mental and emotional strength.
- It also teaches you more self-love and self-acceptance.
- Mirror work is best done when you’re in private and in a good mental space.
- It’s important to know what your needs are to have a better idea of which affirmations to recite, to keep showing up, and be self-compassionate.
- Pair your affirmations with aligned action to further boost your self-image and confidence.
For more self-love and self-development guides like this one, head over to the Lauvblog here.
