Affirmations  are positive statements you repeat to yourself that help you break out of negative thought patterns. They can also change the way you feel from inside out by rewiring your brain. Whether you use affirmations to quiet an anxious mind before an interview, build confidence after a breakup or create a healthier diet, affirmations can help you live your best life by challenging limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging thoughts.

The most effective affirmations are simple, specific and focused on what you want to see happen in your life. They're also written in the present tense. "When you say 'I am confident,' you are teaching your subconscious to start acting as if it is true now, even though you may not have the evidence yet," says Laura Yusim, author of the book "Affirmations That Work."

A good affirmation can be repeated daily and should include an action or feeling that will result in what you want to happen. They're often easier to stick with if you use them in conjunction with other positive thinking practices and goals. For example, using visualization and a vision board can make the affirmation more meaningful and powerful. Adding some energy and passion to your affirmation is key, too. "Saying your affirmation out loud with as much heart and emotion as you can really bring into it makes it more effective," says Yusim.

While affirmations are often used in high-pressure situations, they can be helpful for anyone looking to retrain their brains, says Jennifer Kelman, a mental health provider at JustAnswer. "They can be used to calm an anxious mind before a job interview, to calm an active nervous system before a big game or meeting with in-laws, to reduce stress and anxiety, to get over a breakup and even to help retrain the brain to think positively," she notes.

When you're selecting affirmations, don't be afraid to be creative or to try new ones. You can write them out or read them aloud. Some people like to record themselves reciting them, which is a great way to keep track of them. You can also try putting them into a song to help them resonate with your body. Affirmations are also a great complement to other mindfulness practices, like meditation and breathing exercises.

You can say your affirmations out loud or in your head, but the best time of day to do so depends on why you're practicing them. Leeds recommends starting your day with them, as they can set you up for success, or saying them right before a workout or other challenge. She also says it's beneficial to practice them as you prepare for bed.

Remember to be patient. Affirmations can take a while to become part of your brain's subconscious, especially if you're trying to break old, well-worn neural pathways. However, if you commit to them, they can have a significant impact on your life. And if you don't feel the effects after awhile, it may be a good idea to try something different.