What are beliefs?
Beliefs are internal convictions that guide your thinking, feelings, and actions.
They arise from experiences, upbringing, and social influences.
Many beliefs help you – others can increase stress because they put you under pressure.
Typical stress-amplifying beliefs
- “I always have to be perfect.”
- “I must not make mistakes.”
- “Everyone else is more important than me.”
- “If I say no, I will be rejected.”
Such convictions lead you to constantly put pressure on yourself – even when it’s not necessary.
Stress-friendly beliefs
- “I am allowed to make mistakes – they are part of learning.”
- “I am important – my needs matter.”
- “Saying no is allowed – and healthy.”
- “I can allow myself breaks without being lazy.”
You can train new beliefs like muscles: through repetition, small experiences, and conscious reflection.
First steps
- Write down a burdensome belief.
- Consciously rephrase it – into an empowering version.
- Repeat the new sentence regularly.
- Collect evidence in everyday life that it’s true.
Your next step
Your beliefs can increase stress – or relieve you.
The bestforming app supports you with this:
- with reflection exercises that make your beliefs visible,
- with tools that help you rephrase them,
- with routines that solidify your new convictions.
Get the app and turn your beliefs into your stress buffer – instead of your stress amplifier.