Do you talk to yourself? You might be surprised to learn that it’s a sign of higher cognitive function. Internal dialogue, also known as self-talk, is a natural process that everyone experiences. It’s how we make sense of the world around us and apply logic to our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
But did you know that the way you talk to yourself can have a significant impact on your life? Positive self-talk can enhance your cognitive abilities, improve your performance, and help you achieve your goals. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of positive self-talk and how you can improve it to live your best life.
Is Talking To Yourself Healthy?
Talking to yourself, or engaging in self-talk, is a common behavior and is generally not a cause for concern. However, if a person is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as schizophrenia, they may appear to be talking to themselves due to auditory hallucinations. In such cases, they are not really talking to themselves but rather responding to voices only they can hear.
The good news is that speaking out loud to yourself was found to be a trait of higher cognitive function, according to scientists at Bangor University. Thus, positive self-talk has many benefits and can help you achieve your goals by enhancing your cognitive abilities and developing a positive self-view.
Types Of Self-Talk
There are different types of self-talk including
- Positive self-talk – encourages and reinforces positive beliefs
- Negative self-talk- involves critical and discouraging dialogue.
- Neutral self-talk – is not significantly positive or negative and is often used for giving instructions.
It’s important to remember that we have control over our inner dialogues and self-talk. By focusing on positive self-talk and being aware of negative self-talk, we can improve our mental health and overall well-being.
The Benefits of Positive Self-View
There are so many benefits when you talk to yourself in a motivational or instructional way. Some include:
- Enhanced performance
- Improved control over tasks
- Reduces anxiety
- Changes your perspective
- Enhance your problem-solving skills
- Induces empathy and comfort in trying times
- Develops self-love and self-respect
Can Positive Self-Talk Help in Goal Setting?
Positive self-talk is crucial for goal setting as it develops belief in oneself and encourages the pursuit of those goals. By telling yourself “I am capable of achieving my goals” or “I am worthy of success,” you can develop a positive self-view that motivates and empowers you to take action towards your goals.
Practical Strategies for Improving Positive Self-Talk
To control and manipulate self-talk, it’s essential to be aware of your internal dialogues and change your thought patterns.
1. Awareness is the Key
Be Aware of Your Internal Dialogues.
2. Changing your Internal Dialogue
To deliberately change your internal dialogue, you can start by identifying negative self-talk patterns and replacing them with positive ones. Practicing positive affirmations and visualizing positive outcomes can also help. Additionally, surrounding yourself with supportive and positive people can reinforce your new self-talk habits.
3. Regulate your Emotions
First, identify and label the emotion you are experiencing. Then, use self-talk to challenge any negative thoughts or beliefs that may be fueling the emotion. Finally, reframe the situation in a more positive light and use positive affirmations to reinforce the desired emotional state.
- Find ways to re-direct your focus to control your emotions
- Think about how to respond to your feelings at that moment
- Think about problem-solving solutions
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any other mental or physical exercise. It takes time to learn how to listen, weigh in, and control that inner voice. It can be challenging but the more you practice, the easier it gets. Consistency and Persistence will help make this challenging yet important goal a habit.
Self-Talk Exercises
- Practice Affirmations – Builds a positive and healthy mindset
- Question Yourself – Find solutions and solve problems by asking yourself questions
- Visualize to Manifest – Imagine a scene that makes you happy
- Envision your Goals – Develop a belief in yourself through self-encouragement and autosuggestion
In conclusion, internal dialogue or self-talk is a natural process that can have a significant impact on our lives. Positive self-talk is essential for enhancing performance, improving control over tasks, reducing anxiety, and developing belief in oneself. By understanding the benefits of positive self-talk and practicing strategies to improve it, you can enhance your cognitive abilities and achieve your goals. So start talking to yourself in a positive way and see how it can change your life for the better!
Here are some further readings I think you’ll find useful:
13 WAYS TO GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND OVERCOME SELF-DOUBT
0 EXCUSES, 23 SKILLS: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO LIFELONG SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT
19 comments on “7 Mind-Blowing Benefits of Self-Talk You Didn’t Know About”
Aditi Jain
Love your post. something worth remembering
Lani
Hi Aditi, Thank you so much for your support. Kindly check out my other posts for more inspiration.
Emily
Great article, and fantastic reminder to think about the messages we’re telling ourselves during the day. The way you talk to yourself can make a big difference in your self-perception.
Lani
You’re absolutely right, Emily. Sometimes, we can get carried away especially when our emotions are in play. But we need to be mindful because the words we say to ourselves play a huge impact on our lives.
Vy
Amazing post. We really need to be mindful of that voice in our head because it can be our best friend or our greatest enemy.
Dori
A great reminder to be self-aware and kind to ourselves ?
Lani
HI Dori,
I totally agree with you. Sometimes we just really need to be reminded. If you enjoyed this post check out my other inspiring posts. I’m Looking forward to hearing more from you soon.
Fransic verso
I love self-talk and reading this was interesting. I also learned some new things as well about it. Thank you for sharing!
Lani
Hi Fransic,
I’m glad you enjoyed reading this article and I’m happy you got some tips too. Hope it works for you.
Sheenia
Great post! I wrote an article about the benefits of positive self talk also. So important.
Lani
Hi Sheenia,
Thanks for your comment. Indeed positive self-talk is important, I will check your article for further info.
Francesca
I truly enjoyed reading this article! I didn’t even know self-talk was a thing until I realised the negative way I used to talk to myself. I have learned (and am still learning) to be more conscious of what I’m saying to myself and change my internal dialogue. Thanks for the helpful advice!
Lani
Hi Francesca,
I’m glad you enjoyed this article and got some tips along the way. As they say, practice makes perfect- so practice taking control!
Heather Cunningham
Thank you. i have always considered myself my own best counsel. This article makes a lot of sense!
Lani
Hi Heather,
That is a nice way to say it indeed we all should be our own best counsel.
Mayra
The key factor you mention here is self-awareness.
Being conscious of the positive (or negative) messages you’re saying to yourself out loud and being able to pivot if you’re not building yourself up.
Thanks for your article
Lani
Hi Mayra,
You summed it all up. Thanks for the comment.
Gabby
I live these tips! Having a positive mindset is the key to a happy life!
Lani
Hi Gabby,
Thanks for the comment. I hope the tips work in your favor.