Why talking to yourself may actually be good for your health

Talking to yourself is something many people do, whether they are preparing for a presentation, searching for lost keys or trying to solve a difficult problem.

While the habit is sometimes misunderstood, research suggests that self-talk is a normal behaviour that can offer several health and wellbeing benefits when used positively.

Studies have found that talking to yourself can improve focus, help regulate emotions, reduce stress and even support better decision-making.

Rather than being a sign that something is wrong, psychologists say self-talk is often a healthy way of processing thoughts and navigating everyday challenges.

Help you stay focused

One of the biggest benefits of self-talk is improved concentration. Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, found that saying the name of an object out loud while searching for it can help people find it more quickly.

Researchers discovered that speaking the word keeps the object’s visual image active in the mind, making it easier to locate. The findings suggest that self-talk can improve attention and concentration during everyday tasks.

This may explain why athletes, students, and professionals often talk themselves through difficult tasks or repeat instructions aloud while working.

May help reduce stress

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology examined seven experiments involving 585 participants and found that using your own name or non-first-person pronouns instead of “I” during self-talk can improve emotional regulation in stressful situations.

Participants who used this form of “distanced self-talk” performed better during stressful tasks, including public speaking, because it helped them think more objectively

“Distanced self-talk provides a self-control strategy that can help people regulate their thoughts, feelings and behaviours,” the study highlighted.

Researchers concluded that creating a small amount of psychological distance allows people to manage emotions more effectively without requiring significant mental effort.

Strengthen self-control

Another study published in Clinical Psychological Science by researchers from the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota found that using distanced self-talk can improve self-control.

In the study, participants who referred to themselves by name while making food choices were more likely to choose healthier options than those who used first-person language.

Researchers believe this approach helps people focus on long-term goals instead of immediate temptations.

While talking to yourself can be beneficial, experts say the type of self-talk is important. Encouraging yourself with positive, realistic statements such as “You can do this” or “Stay focused” can boost confidence and resilience.

On the other hand, constant negative self-criticism can increase stress and undermine self-esteem.

According to the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychology, self-talk is a normal psychological process that helps people organise thoughts, prepare for future situations and solve problems more effectively.

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