Yes, affirmations work to a degree. They improve your mood, but only temporarily. If you have a bad moment it can ruin your day, if you just rely on affirmations. It is important to keep different techniques in your arsenal, so when anxiety hits you have different strategies. If you need a quick fix and need to get back to the task at hand, it is best to use deep breathing exercises. Otherwise, I would listen to guided meditation, which combines affirmations and techniques for improved focus. It is difficult to use a combination of techniques and you do not have to master them right away. Try each technique one at a time. Once you feel comfortable you can combine them for a stronger effect.