As far as the power of positive affirmations - yes, I absolutely do believe they work. Years ago, I used positive affirmations to overcome suicidal depression. Yes, it took about six months, but I haven't been depressed a day since - and that's considering I spent the two decades before that in a constant state of depression. I created my positive affirmations with the help of my therapist, and said them to myself ten times - minimum - every single time a negative thought entered my head. Anti-depressants didn't work for me - but this did.
I didn't believe for the first few months that it would work, but I thought, what the @#@!!, it can't hurt, so why not. Relaxed state? Are you kidding? I had no idea what a relaxed state was.
As for why it worked - I'm a fairly stubborn, obstinate, pigheaded, and, oh yeah, did I mention stubborn? kind of person (although I try to use my powers for good 
). I stuck with it for no good reason other than just because and not because I saw results immediately.
I love positive affirmations. They literally saved my life.
