Yes, how we talk to ourselves is important. Everybody has an inner monologue and way of speaking to themselves. We spend most of the day talking to ourselves, even if we don’t realize it. That’s why positive self-talk is so important. It can regulate our emotions, our actions, and our self-care. What we say, the tone and the words we use can shape how we feel. Also, engaging in negative self-talk may lead to stress. So, if you’re wondering why positive self-talk is so important, and how can it help us, let’s dive into it!
What is Positive Self-Talk?
According to Psychology Today, many people are conscious of an inner voice that provides a running monologue throughout the day. This inner voice, or self-talk, combining conscious thoughts and unconscious beliefs and biases, provides a way for the brain to interpret and process daily experiences.
Our self-talk can be cheerful and supportive or negative and self-defeating. Self-talk can be beneficial when it’s positive, calming fears and bolstering confidence. Unfortunately, human nature is prone to negative self-talk, including sweeping assertions like “I can’t do anything right” or “I’m a complete failure”.
Why Positive Self-Talk Is Important
Positive self-talk gives us motivation to maintain healthy habits and can easily be incorporated into our daily lives. With continuous positive self-talk we can develop a healthy image of ourselves and, in turn, boost our self-confidence.
Positive thoughts mean positive emotions, behaviors, and producing a better outcome. Negative thoughts often lead to negative emotions, behaviors, and poorer outcomes. So, it’s time to start listening to yourself, girl!
How Can Positive Self-Talk Help me?
According to the Eastern Washington University, positive self-talk:
- Regulate your emotions
- Work more efficiently
- Increase your self-esteem
- Increase your self-confidence
- Control your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- Attain your goals
Have You Ever Heard Yourself?
Let’s talk about what’s important. Have you ever listened to how you talk to yourself? Even though it might sound silly, it’s not an easy practice. We’re so used to talking to ourselves internally that we don’t really stop to listen. What do you say to yourself? What words do you use when you talk to yourself? What tone do you use? Do you speak kindly or disrespectfully to yourself?
Let me tell you a little secret. Once you start doing this, you’ll realize how important self-talk is. And how important it is to make it positive. The first step is to start recognizing it. So, start listening to yourself. Pay attention to your internal dialogue.
You are important. And if you don’t take care of yourself, no one else will.
How Can I Do It?
There are plenty of problems in the world. But at The Better Normal, we believe in the power of solutions. Leaving behind negative thoughts can be incredibly beneficial to our well-being.
Instead of asking yourself questions like, “Why is this happening to me?” you can ask:
- How can I improve this situation?
- What can I do, from my reality, to change this?
- What can I learn from this experience?
The Importance of Positive Self-Talk for Kids
According to the Mental Health Center Kids, there are many reasons why positive self-talk is important for kids:
- Influences perception. Self-talk can influence kids’ perceptions of experiences and events. Positive self-talk leads to a more optimistic outlook, while negative messages directed at the self can contribute to a more pessimistic view.
- Affects emotional response. A child’s internal dialogue can affect their emotional state. For instance, positive self-talk can boost confidence and reduce stress.
- Shapes behavior. Self-talk can influence kids’ behaviors. Specifically, positive self-talk can motivate children to take action and face challenges.
Impacts decision-making. How kids talk to themselves can impact their problem-solving and decision-making skills. - Self-fulfilling prophecy. What children repeatedly tell themselves can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If kids tell themselves they are capable, they may be more proactive and successful in their endeavors. On the other hand, if children always tell themselves they are bound to fail, they may end up sabotaging their own efforts.
Researchers have also found that self-talk isn’t just about what kids say to themselves; it is also about the language they use to say it. Using a third-person perspective in self-talk can help kids step back and think more objectively about their responses and emotions, as well as reduce stress and anxiety.
