Self talk is your internal dialogue it is influenced by your subconscious mind and it reveals your thoughts, beliefs and ideas.

Self talk can be both negative and positive. it can be encouraging, and it can be distressing. much of your self talk depends on your personality. if you are an optimist, your self talk may be more hopeful and positive. the opposite is generally true if you tend to be a pessimist.

Positive thinking and optimism can be effective stress management tools. Indeed, having a more positive outlook on life can provide you with some health benefit. if you believe your self talk is too negative or if you want to emphasize positive self talk, you can learn to shift that inner dialogue. it can help you be a more positive person, and it may improve your health.

Why is it good for?

Self talk can enhance your performance and general well being. for example research shows self-talk can help athletes with performance. It may help them with endurance or to power through a set of heavy weight. it includes some benefits like-

# it increases vitality

# it gives greater life satisfaction

# improved immune functions

#reduce the pain

# better cardiovascular health

#better physical well being

#reduced risk for death

# less stress and distress

what are some examples – these scenarios are example of when and how you can turn negative self talk into positive self talk. again, it takes practice. recognising some of your own negative self talk in these scenarios may help you develop skills to flip the thought when it occurs.

Negative – I will disappoint everyone if I change my mind.

positive – I have the power to change my mind others will understand.

Negative- I failed and embarrassed myself. positive- I am proud of myself for even trying, that took courage.

Negative – I have never done this before and I will be bad at it.

positive– this is a wonderful opportunity for me to learn from others and grow.

How do I use this on a daily basis-

Positive self talk takes practice if it is not your natural instinct if you are generally more Pessimistic you can learn to shift your inner dialogue to be more encouraging and uplifting.

However, forming a new habit takes time and effort. over time, your thoughts can shift. positive self talk can become your norm. these tips can help-

Identify negative self talk traps

check in with your feelings

find the humor

surround yourself with positive people

give yourself positive affirmations

When should I seek support?

Positive self talk can help you improve your outlook on life. it can also have lasting positive health benefits, including improved well being and a better quality of life. however, self talk is a habit made over a lifetime. If you find you are not successful on your own, talk with the therapist. mental health experts can help you pinpoint sources of negative self talk and learn to flip the switch. ask your Healthcare provider for a referral to the therapist.or ask a friend or family member for a suggestion.