We’ve all had that slightly awkward moment when we catch ourselves talking to ourselves—whether it’s in the mirror, while cooking, or during a solo walk down the street. You know, those moments when you realize, “Oh no, I’m talking to myself!” But what if I told you that talking to yourself isn’t a sign of madness, but instead a superpower for your mental well-being?
What Happens in Your Brain When You Talk to Yourself?
Have you ever found yourself speaking out loud when you’re deep in thought? Whether it’s reminding yourself of something important or trying to work through a challenge, it’s not uncommon to vocalize your thoughts. According to experts, this habit is not a sign that you’re losing touch with reality. In fact, talking to yourself can have amazing effects on your brain and emotional well-being.
Research conducted by psychologists has shown that those who talk to themselves aloud tend to be better at solving problems. Gary Lupyan, a psychology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains that speaking out loud helps keep a mental image active in your mind.
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A Tool Against Anxiety and Stress
Talking to yourself is also a fantastic way to regulate your emotions and reduce stress. When you’re in a stressful or anxiety-inducing situation, your thoughts can become a chaotic whirlwind. It can be difficult to focus or come up with clear solutions. This is where talking to yourself acts as an excellent emotional regulator.
Gabrielle Morse, a therapist based in New York, points out that we have thousands of thoughts every day. But these thoughts are just random neural impulses, often disjointed and chaotic. Talking out loud helps structure them and calm the mental storm. In other words, it’s like decluttering your mind using words.
How Talking to Yourself Boosts Motivation
We all know those days when it’s hard to get out of bed or find the motivation to tackle tasks we’ve been procrastinating on. Well, talking to yourself might just be the key to breaking that negative cycle! Studies have shown that when people speak to themselves in the second or third person (for example, saying “You’ve got this!” or “Come on, Jane, focus!”), it significantly reduces anxiety and boosts performance.
By creating a bit of distance between you and the task at hand through this “external conversation,” you can view things from a fresh perspective, making it easier to motivate yourself. You’re like your own personal cheerleader, encouraging yourself to take action.
