Why You Should Talk to Yourself

You talk to yourself all the time. You might not be aware of it, but you do. You've probably been doing it since you were a child and learned how to speak. Even if you're not consciously thinking about what you say to yourself, chances are your self-talk is having an impact on your emotional state and well-being.

If you want to improve how you feel, then start paying attention to what goes through your head! Here are three ways talking to yourself can make your life better:

Your self-talk reduces anxiety and stress.

Research shows self-talk can reduce anxiety and stress. When you talk to yourself in a positive way, you are more likely to feel better about yourself and your abilities. This can help you get past difficult situations that might otherwise cause stress or anxiety.

Using your name or referring to yourself in the second or third person can also help. If you're feeling nervous before an important meeting at work or if there's something else going on in your life right now that's making you anxious—such as an upcoming event or presentation—try using self-talk techniques like those described below; they may be just what you need to calm down those anxious feelings, so they don't interfere with performing well on these tasks later on.

It keeps you moving forward.

Self-talk helps even more when things aren't going well; this is when most people become discouraged and give up on their goals altogether. Self-talk can help keep you motivated even when you hit roadblocks or face setbacks.

When your inner voice talks positively about your goals, it gives you the strength to keep going even when things get difficult. You'll find it easier to refocus and see what needs to be done next instead of feeling overwhelmed by all that needs to be accomplished.

It keeps you focused on the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

The present moment is the only thing that exists, but it's easy to get stuck in the past or future. Positive self-talk can help you stay focused on the present by keeping your attention on what's happening right now.

The inner voice can be a powerful ally in your efforts to achieve your goals. When you're feeling positive about what you want and how to get it, self-talk helps keep you on track. It's easy to get off track when life gets busy, but by listening to yourself talk positively about what needs to be done next and why it's important, you'll stay motivated and remain focused on the task at hand.

The next time you find yourself alone in a room, try talking to yourself for a few minutes and observing your thoughts. What you're saying is important, and it's worth listening to. As you become more aware of your inner voice, you'll be able to make changes in what it says—and that will have a profound effect on your quality of life.